Belt up, buddies! The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the headphone that'll knock your socks off
Upgraded Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones designed for tongue-tasting experience
By Klaus Wedekind\More Info\Facebook\Twitter\WhatsApp\Email\Print\Copy Link\
Slim down, step up: The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a wireless headphone that'll make you jive while tackling the competition. Improving upon its predecessor's flaws and bringing several nifty new features, the XM6 is a strong contender for the crown of the best Bluetooth headphone on the market. But for the audio heaven, you might need to save up.
Sony took its sweet time releasing a new headset in the 1000X family. Their patience paid off, as they not only addressed the criticisms of the previous version but also added a slew of minor enhancements. The end result? A sleek and comfortable wireless headphone with stellar sound quality and outstanding active noise cancellation (ANC).
Flexibility and Comfort galore
The WH-1000XM5 was criticized for its rigid headband, which made it a hassle to fold compactly. The new model remedies this issue with joints situated just above the ear cups, allowing the headset to fold more neatly. These joints, along with the entire unit, give a stable and reliable impression. No more creaking or rattling.
Comfort has been raised a notch as well. The ear cups now have thicker cushions, providing the ears ample space and making the headset highly comfortable—even for glasses wearers. In addition, Sony fine-tuned the passive noise cancellation to help deliver a more comfortable experience. Not only do the WH-1000XM6 sit securely, but they also nestle snugly on your head.
When folded, the headset now fits more compactly in the case than the previous model, saving precious luggage space. The sleek hard-shell case boasts a magnetic closure, an extra compartment for charging cables, and a practical arrangement for maximum organization.
Easy, Breezy Control
The control scheme remains largely the same, with a responsive touch surface on the right ear cup for manipulating playback. You can also use it during calls, answering or rejecting them by nodding or shaking your noggin if you'd like.
On the underside of the left ear cups are two buttons that are easy to locate and distinguish. The on/off and Bluetooth pairing functions are housed under one button, while the other becomes your ANC/Transparency mode switch. By pressing it twice or thrice, you can call up streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music, or relaxation app Endel if you desire.
Another handy feature is voice recognition: When you start talking, playback stops, and transparency mode is activated. You can also adjust the sensitivity manually or let it adapt to its environment automatically. You can even choose how long it takes for the mode to end when you stop chatting.
User-friendly App for All Yours Settings
All settings are adjusted in the comprehensive yet intuitive Sound Connect app. Here, you'll be able to configure various modes, such as automatic startup of music apps for specific activities or ANC tweaks tailored to various activities.
In Sound Connect, expect to find numerous preset modes, a more detailed equalizer with a tailored ten adjustable frequency bands instead of the previous five, and real-time restoration of lost details in compressed audio files using AI, as well as 3D audio transformation for stereo sound in videos. Other lovely features include High Resolution Audio, 3D Sound via the Bluetooth codec LDAC, and Sony's 360 Reality Audio.
Heavenly Sound, Clear as a bell
The predecessor already sounded fantastic, but the WH-1000XM6 takes it a notch higher with a refined interior, offering greater detail, definition, and clarity. Sony seems to have improved the dynamics as well. The difference isn't huge, but the overall soundscape feels more cohesive, dynamic, and precise. Equalizers might only be necessary for those with specific hearing profiles or unique use cases. For the rest of us mere mortals, the headphones deliver an impressive performance across all genres of music.
One such specialized application is gaming, for which a dedicated mode is now available, enhancing footsteps and gunshot sounds.
Upgraded ANC, Excellent Transparency Mode
Sony has stepped up its game with ANC, with improvements that enhance its ability to filter out annoying noises more effectively than the XM5. Specifically, the manufacturer has increased the number of microphones from eight to twelve, enabling the WH-1000XM6 to adapt better to its environment.
The active noise cancellation works wonders on busy streets, airplanes, or trains, seamlessly adapting to various environments. It even proved effective at dampening office noise, such as typing and chatter from colleagues. Overall, the WH-1000XM6 handles a broader range of noises than most competing headphones.
Notably, the typical ANC self-noise is minimal, and the sound quality remains unaffected regardless of whether you're in ANC or Transparency mode. Transparency mode lets you adjust the strength of the effect, or you can set it to auto-control. You can also choose to let voices through when using ANC.
Rock-solid Calls, Excellent Battery Life
During testing, the WH-1000XM6 showed promise by effortlessly adapting to loud environments during calls. The headset utilizes six microphones and AI technology to create a beamforming system that captures voice exceptionally well and effectively suppresses ambient noise. When speaking at a bustling intersection, a conversation partner reported barely hearing any background noise. Wind noise suppression is also top-notch.
The WH-1000XM6's endurance might not be extraordinary, but it's still impressive. Sony claims a max battery life of approximately 30 hours, and the test period doesn't indicate otherwise. The device can be used while charging, unlike its predecessor.
Verdict
Those on the hunt for the best Bluetooth headphones in town should definitely give the WH-1000XM6 a whirl. Sony has nipped the design flaws of the predecessor in the bud and raised the sound and ANC to new heights. At around 450 euros, the price tag has grown, but the whopping feature set is worth the investment.
- This headphone, the Sony WH-1000XM6, is not only a feast for the ears but also a testament to the advancements in technology, serving as a prime example of gadgets that seamlessly integrate into our daily lives.
- Beyond enhancing the wireless audio experience, the WH-1000XM6 is also a worthy companion for smartphone users, offering a superior level of active noise cancellation and easy control options.
