Whistle-Worthy Sound: Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones Review
Upgraded Sony Headset WH-1000XM6 Engineered for Tongue Olfactory Analysis
By Klaus Wedekind
Dig Deeper for Top-Tier Audio
After three long years of waiting, Sony has finally delivered the successor to its popular WH-1000XM5 headphones, and it doesn't disappoint. The new WH-1000XM6 is a strong contender for the title of the best current Bluetooth headphone, offering a sumptuous audio experience if you're willing to shell out the cash.
Bend it Like a Gumby
One of the main criticisms of the predecessor was its inflexible headband. Thankfully, the new WH-1000XM6 has hinges that sit just above the ear cups, allowing the device to bend and fold more easily. The whole headphone now feels more durable and solid, with no creaking or rattling noises.
But it's not just the design that's improved; the new model is also more comfortable. The ear cups have thicker cushions, providing more space for your ears and making the headphone particularly comfortable for those who wear glasses. Passive noise cancellation has also been slightly improved. To top it off, the WH-1000XM6 sits very securely, yet remains comfortable for long listening sessions.
When folded, the headphone fits into a more compact case, taking up significantly less space in your luggage. The stylish box features a magnetic closure and an extra compartment for charging and auxiliary cables.
Getting a Grip on Controls
The control setup remains largely unchanged. There's a precisely responsive touch surface on the outer side of the right ear cup that allows you to control playback through taps and swipes. During calls, the touch surface is also used. However, you can also answer or end calls by shaking or nodding your head if you prefer.
On the underside of the left ear cups, you'll find two buttons that are easy to find and distinguish with your thumb. One is used for turning on and off and Bluetooth pairing. The other is primarily used to switch between ANC and transparency mode, but you can also use it to launch Spotify or Amazon Music streaming services, or the Endel sleep and relaxation app if desired.
Another practical feature is voice recognition: when you start speaking, playback stops and transparency mode is activated. You can adjust the sensitivity of this feature in two stages or set it to automatically adapt to the environment.
A Clean, User-Friendly App
All settings are made in the easy-to-use Sound Connect app, where you can also choose to automatically start a music app or adjust ANC for certain activities. In addition to numerous preset modes, the app now includes a more detailed equalizer with ten adjustable frequency bands instead of the previous five. You can also use AI to restore lost details in real-time for compressed audio files, or transform stereo sound in videos into 3D audio.
An Auditory Symphony
With improved audio components, the WH-1000XM6 delivers a refined interior, resulting in more detail, definition, and clarity. Sony seems to have also made improvements to the dynamics, as the soundstage feels more cohesive and precise.
An equalizer might only be necessary for those with limited hearing or specific use cases. Regardless, the headphones deliver impressive performance across all music genres, making it a great choice for both casual and discerning listeners. There's even a dedicated gaming mode with enhanced footstep and gunshot sounds for the gamers out there.
Bluetooth LE Audio: The Future of Audio
The new model supports Bluetooth LE Audio, which will revolutionize the way we listen to audio in the future. It features extremely low latency, making it a great choice for gamers. Plus, it supports the Auracast standard, allowing you to use your own headphones during audio tours at museums or other group events.
Galaxy of Noise Cancellation and Transparency
Sony has addressed the ANC criticisms of the WH-1000XM5 and made several improvements. The new model has increased the number of microphones from eight to twelve, allowing for better noise reduction and a better overall listening experience. The new headphones also adapt more effectively to their surrounding environment.
The transparency mode has also been enhanced, letting you adjust the strength of the effect continuously or leave it on automatic. You can even choose to let voices through when using ANC.
Hear Me Now
In practical tests, the WH-1000XM6 impressed with its excellent performance during calls in noisy environments. With six microphones and AI support, the headphones create a beamforming system that captures the voice exceptionally well and suppresses ambient noise effectively. During a call at a busy intersection, a conversation partner reported barely hearing any background noise. The WH-1000XM6 also handles wind noise suppression very well.
The Day Isn't Over Yet
While the WH-1000XM6's endurance isn't exceptional, it still offers good battery life. Sony claims a maximum of 30 hours, and the test period didn't allow for the battery to be completely drained, but the display showing 83% after around five hours confirms the manufacturer's claim roughly. If the battery is empty, just three minutes on the charger will provide about three hours of music. And unlike the predecessor, the WH-1000XM6 can be used while charging.
The Verdict: Worthy of Adoration
Those looking for the best Bluetooth headphones should definitely give the WH-1000XM6 a spin. While the price has increased, the headphones have plenty to offer for music enthusiasts who appreciate top-notch audio quality and exceptional noise cancellation.
Technology has always been gadget-centric, and the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are no exception. This new model is a testament to the advancements in the industry, boasting improvements in design, comfort, and audio quality. He, the sony user, can enjoy the wh-xm headphones' tongue-pleasing sound with the added benefit of Bluetooth LE Audio, revolutionizing the way he listens to music.
