Sony WH -1000XM6, Review: The evolution of silence and sound – The right choice

There are not many doubts: Sony’s WH-1000X, beyond the name of tax code, are a point of reference in the sector when it comes to wireless over-ar wireless headphones (in Italian the term is « circumventing », that is, that with the bearing they cover the entire auditory pavilion) with an active noise cancellation (ANC). With the sixth generation, the WH-1000XM6Sony had a double task: to further improve a product that is difficult to progress and together go to touch up some aspects that many faithful Sony customers had not liked in the previous version, the WH-1000XM5. One of the most frequent criticisms addressed to the M5 concerned their structure that is no longer foldable and the consequent rather cumbersome custody. The writer was among those who preferred to stay with the « old » 1000xm4 to maintain a more classic, folding design with a compact custody and with a more balanced bow where that of the M5 was very, too thin.

Comfortable case with magnetic closure

With the M6, Sony seems to respond to these observations By introducing a bending mechanism again, which allows you to significantly reduce the size of the headphones when they are not worn. The case has been completely revised: It is compact but a little too thick, especially if you have not very generous backpacks. But it has a truly practical gem: now it presents a magnetic closure (in the photo) Instead of the zipper Lampoa detail that, although it seems minor, proves to be very comfortable in daily use, allowing a quick and easy opening and closing, even with one hand. A potential counterpart is that the magnet could lose vigor over the years, risking unwanted openings for those who keep these headphones for 4-5 or more years.
The system to control reproduction, based on the touch surface of the right pavilion is very practical. The physical keys are the on/off one and for the activation of the ANC.

The design maintains the elegant lines of the series, with the addition of a wider bow and pavilions with « soft fit leather », materials (ecological) designed to increase comfort during prolonged use and improve stability. The surfaces used are also resistant to fingerprints and fingerprints.
In the case there is, in a special semi-open compartment, a cable for connecting to the audio jack, but there is no longer the adapter with two plane PINs that found in previous versions of these Sony: the Japanese company has evaluated that it has now gone disused on almost all airlines (but in some cases it can still be useful).

Active noise cancellation (ANC): even more effective

The cancellation of the noise is one of the flagships of the 1000x series, and the WH-1000XM6 carry on this tradition with important technical improvements. They integrate 12 microphones (compared to the 8 of the XM5), which, thanks to the « multi-noise sensor technology », allow a more precise detection of environmental sounds.
The heart of the System is the new HD Noise Canceling QN3 processorflanked by the Integrated Processor V2. Sony declares that the QN3 processor offers a processing speed up to seven times higher than the previous QN1. This translates into a more precise cancellation of the noise, rapid in adapting to changes in the external environment and optimized even in conditions of non -ideal (such as with particular glasses or hairstyles) thanks to the « Adaptive NC Optimizer ».
There is also a « ambient sound » mode (environmental sound) improved, which allows you to feel the surrounding noises in a clearer and natural way, useful for being aware of what is happening around or to converse without removing the headphones. The « Adaptive Ambient Sound Mode » function automatically adjusts the level of environmental sound based on the surrounding environment.
In general, the results of the ANC have convinced us in full: the damping of the continuous sounds (train, plane) is almost miraculous, while on the items, typical sound difficult to block completely, the result is still good. If you reproduce music, even at moderate volume, external sounds will almost always be a memory.

Audio quality: loyalty and precision

As for musical reproduction, the WH-1000XM6 present a New 30 mm driver (The driver, it is good to remember it, is the transducer who transforms the electrical audio signal into audible sound waves). It was designed with a soft edge, ideal for improving the cancellation of the noise and the reproduction of the bass, and a membrane in composite of light and rigid carbon fiber for a detailed sound reproduction on the entire range of frequencies.
Sony has collaborated with renowned master’s sound studies (such as Sterling Sound, Battery Studios and Coast Mastering) to develop audio quality, with the aim of reproducing music faithfully, as it was conceived by artists and producers. This led to an perceived improvement in the bass, which are more precise and powerful while maintaining good control. But also to more natural and defined voices and a better sense of space and location of the tools.
We appreciated the possibility of defining a personalized equalization with a guided mode Through the Sony SoundConnect app: even without having any knowledge of how to regular, medium and high bass, different septasses are offered and, indicating the most welcome, the app is responsible for setting everything. Easy and intelligent.
In any case, there is now a 10 -band graphic equalizer (compared to the 5 previous bands), which offers greater control for expert users.
The headphones support high resolution audio both via cable and wirelessly thanks to the LDAC codec. Dsee Extreme technology, based on artificial intelligence, continues to improve the quality of compressed music files in real time, restoring lost frequencies in compression.

Call quality

The quality of the calls also received attention. WH-1000XM6 use a system with 6 microphones for conversations Beamforming based on artificial intelligence. Beamforming technology allows microphones to focus on the voice of the speaker, isolating it from environmental noises, even in chaotic environments or with people who speak nearby. Noise reduction is further assisted by artificial intelligence. A microphone silence function has been added directly from the headphones via the NC/ASM key. Thanks to these features we used the M6 ​​in long work calls and videocal, with The interlocutors who confirmed us an excellent quality of the voice.
However, Occasionally, Bluetooth has made the tantrumsintroducing static noises that, in a couple of cases, I forced us to continue the conversation without headphones.

Apps like this

The experience of use of the WH-1000XM6 inevitably also passes through the Companion application, the Sony Sound Connect App. This app replaces the previous headphones Connect and offers granular control over numerous settings, from the management of the cancellation of adaptive noise (Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts the anch or environmental sound based on the activity) and environmental sound levels, up to the customization of the 10 -band equalizing and the activation of functions such as DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, 360 Upmix for Cinema, Game EQ and GAME E Multipoint connection options and audio.
Despite the wealth of options and the considerable customization offered, The app is confusing and not very usable. Some persist Ridiculous incorrect translations in Italianalready present in the previous app Sony, like the horrid « Remaining»For the control of the adaptive sound ( » remaining « would be for » stop « or » static position « , when you are sitting or stopped somewhere, in short).
Finally, the connection of the device to the app is also erratic: the headphones connect to the Bluetooth (of an iPhone and an iPad, the devices on which we tested them) without problems, but entering the app there are no connected devices and there is no way to do it, if not turning off the headphones and rekindling them with the Sony SoundConnect app already open. In short, it can be done, in short.

In conclusion

Sony Wh-1000xm6 present themselves as a significant evolution compared to the already excellent generation. They maintain and improve the excellent noise cancellation skills and audio quality. More than everything, however, we appreciated the return to a folding design and a more practical case, which were the main notes that it was possible to move at the XM5. We are faced with one of the most complete and versatile products between the wireless headphones with Anc of the premium band. Yes, because here we are talking about figures not suitable for those looking for any cap: the price list says 450 euros. Not a little but aligned with the provisions of competitors Bose, Apple, Dyson, Sonos for products of the same category.

Among the competing headphones there are certainly the AirPods Max. Recently renewed with the addition of the USB-C port, they are perfect to combine with Apple products such as iPhone, iPad and Mac.

We also recently tested the Sonos Ace. High -level headphones compared to audio quality, compatible with both Android and iOS, equally characterized by the active cancellation of the noise.

Finally, how not to mention the Dyson Onrac (Here our review). Headphones characterized by the usual design to the design to which the English company has accustomed us, however able to offer high -level audio quality.

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