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This week, I had the chance to spend a couple of days making an attempt on the brand new Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. I have been an avid sequence fan for the reason that WH-1000XM2 and have been rocking the XM5s for the previous two years. I discovered the improve from the XM4s to XM5s very satisfying – the lighter construct, improved noise cancellation, and higher microphones made a noticeable distinction. That is why I am glad that Sony has caught with an analogous design this 12 months.
Sony additionally introduced one thing again from previous fashions – flexibility. The WH-1000XM6 have foldable hinges and slot in a extra compact case. It is a sensible improve for many who journey with their headphones and need to hold them protected. The case itself is smooth, compact and simpler to open than the cumbersome zipper on the weirdly formed XM5 case. Inside, there’s the usual 3.5mm to three.5mm cable and a brief USB cable for charging.
Sony WH-1000XM6 unboxing
The headphones are a bit heavier than the XM5s (246 grams) however nonetheless lighter than the XM4s (251.6 grams). The design and supplies are just like these of the WH-1000XM5. Sony opted to alter the form of the facility button to spherical so it is more durable to mistake it for the oblong noise-cancelling/ambient mode button subsequent to it. The contact controls stay unchanged from earlier fashions.
Sony WH-1000XM6 design
The listening expertise is excellent. Sony upgraded the noise-cancelling processor, and the lively noise-cancelling (ANC) is as soon as once more among the many greatest within the trade. For many customers, although, the ANC will sound similar to that of the XM5s; the development is not as vital because the leap from the XM4s to the XM5s. The music listening expertise can be just like the earlier mannequin. Sony’s Sound Join app gives an equalizer and a user-friendly “Discover Your Equalizer” wizard to arrange a customized sound for everybody to take pleasure in.
Sony app screenshots
Sony additionally added a “Listening mode” characteristic within the Sound Join app, which appears unique to the WH-1000XM6. You possibly can select between “Commonplace”, “Background Music”, and “Cinema”. “Background Music” adjusts the sound to simulate a distant atmosphere, corresponding to a front room or a restaurant. “Cinema” is meant for use for video content material and simulates a movie show atmosphere, enabled by Sony’s 360 Actuality Audio Upmix expertise. This characteristic will not be everybody’s cup of tea, however I imagine it may be useful for individuals who work with headphones and would love a quieter atmosphere or avid movie-watchers.
The microphone and name high quality have been my largest pet peeves within the WH-1000XM sequence normally. Since I exploit the headphones every day, I conduct many telephone calls whereas carrying them. Individuals on the opposite facet of the calls have complained for years that listening to me in a loud atmosphere is difficult. With the WH-1000XM5, Sony lastly improved the microphone setup, that includes an eight-microphone array and an AI noise rejection algorithm. Even with the upgraded setup, the microphone nonetheless left a lot to be desired when utilized in a loud atmosphere, corresponding to a busy road. Preliminary microphone testing on the WH-1000XM6 reveals related outcomes, though extra thorough testing is required.
Nonetheless even after just a few days with them I am satisfied the Sony WH-1000XM6 stays among the many greatest selections for ANC over-ear headphones. They’re light-weight and compact, providing wonderful noise-cancellation and audio high quality for music. Nonetheless, budget-conscious patrons is likely to be higher off selecting the older WH-1000XM5 mannequin. For my part anybody utilizing WH-1000XM4 or older fashions will get their cash’s value by upgrading.