The latest addition to Sony's 1000X range, the WH-1000XM6 wireless noise-cancelling headphones offer Sony's most advanced noise cancellation, according to the manufacturer itself.
Sony WH-1000XM6, 12 built-in microphones ££££
This performance is supported by cutting-edge technologies such as the new HD Processor QN3, which is seven times faster than the previous generation's, and adjusts the 12 onboard microphones in real time (8 on the previous model). There is also the Auto Ambient Sound mode, which adapts even better to different environments in real time, balancing music and external sounds. On the sound side, Sony is proud to have collaborated with world-renowned mastering engineers at three of the best recording studios in the industry: Sterling Sound, Battery Studios and Coast Mastering.
Sterling Studio Mastering Engineer Randy Merrill Speaks££££
“Sony has always been a benchmark for premium quality, and the WH-1000XM6 headphones take that to a new level,” says Sterling Studio Mastering Engineer Randy Merrill. “They transport me to another world with their excellent bass, frequency response, soundstage, and detail. They faithfully represent the sounds of the recordings we work so hard to create.”
Sterling Studios Mastering Engineer Mike Piacentini Speaks££££
“As mastering engineers, we spend a lot of time with artists and producers to ensure their vision sounds as intended,” adds Battery Studios’ Mike Piacentini. With the WH-1000XM6, users will have a more enjoyable experience because they will hear every emotion, every technical decision and every songwriting choice that the artist and engineer have made.
Sony WH-1000XM6, main specifications££££
Of course, [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] certification is in place, in both wired and wireless mode, with native handling of 96 kHz/24-bit and even 192 kHz/24-bit via a [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] LDAC connection. What's more, thanks to Edge-AI, the Sony WH-1000XM6's DSEE Extreme system restores the luster of compressed music tracks to approach a high-resolution rendering, even when [abc]streaming[/abc].
Sony has also equipped its latest product with 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema technology to be literally immersed in sound, especially when watching movies. Sony's exclusive Upmix allows for a spatial sound experience like in a cinema, from a simple two-channel stereo sound. The earbuds are again foldable like the Sony WH-1000XM4 (unlike the Sony WH-1000XM5) for more compact storage. Finally, [abc]Auracast[/abc] certification is in place.
Sony WH-1000XM6, first impressions££££
Present in China last week, AVcesar was able to try out the Sony WH-1000XM6 in a Sony Store in Chengdu. It must be admitted that its performance in terms of active noise reduction is impressive. Sony is really ahead of the competition on this point. The same goes for sound quality, even if the low end of the spectrum is a bit emphasized. Nothing annoying, especially with a 10-band equalizer in the application.
On the other hand, the USB-C port of the Sony WH-1000XM6 is completely resistant to the sound signal, a notable problem given the ever-increasing number of smartphones without a 3.5 mm mini-Jack. In the same vein, since USB-C/3.5 mm mini-Jack cable management is not available on the WH-1000XM6, you have to use a suitable adapter, which irremediably leads to a loss of sound quality.
Another black point, in passive mode (in case of flat battery, which was the case when we got our hands on a first model before trying a second one with full batteries), you can completely forget about using the Sony WH-1000XM6 as the sound rendering is so poor in this configuration. Finally, it should be noted that the Bluetooth LDAC, excellent with a compatible Android smartphone, is not available with a model from the Apple company. When listening, the difference is immediately noticeable. In short, excellent with an LDAC Android smartphone, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is much less interesting with an iPhone.
A small eco-friendly note to finish, with the WH-1000XM6 packaging made from 100% Original Blended Material, Sony's proprietary paper made from bamboo, sugarcane fibers and post-consumer recycled paper.
Available in black, silver and midnight blue from May 2025. Recommended price: 450 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Sony WH-1000XM6:
• Type: closed dynamic circumaural headphones
• Speakers: 30 mm diameter transducers
• Frequency response: 4 Hz-40 kHz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB
• Connectivity: [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.3 LE Auracast
• Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP/AVRCP/HFP/HSP
• Codecs: SBC/AAC/LDAC/LC3
• Certification: [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc]
• Functions: DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema, wearing detection, Adaptive Sound Control, Auto NC Optimizer, Quick Attention, Scene-based Listening, Auto Switch and Quick Acess
• Active noise reduction : yes
• Voice assistants Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri
• Battery life: 30 hours with Bluetooth and active noise reduction on, 40 hours otherwise
• Charging time: 3.5 hours (3 minutes gives 3 hours of use)
• Other(s): Sony Sound Connect application, operation in Passive mode
• Weight: 254 g
