The headphones thread! [Sorry about your wallet]

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › The headphones thread! [Sorry about your wallet]

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#3488044 6-May-2026 12:44

timmmay:

I found the ANC on Bose Ultra v1 in-ears to be quite poor, particularly with wind noise. I suspect in an office it might be better, but the fit was unusual.

in-ears just don't work for some people. my daughter is one of them. even i have had issues with some where none of the included tips fit perfectly. i suppose fit has something to do with the effectivity of ANC.

nitro

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#3488046 6-May-2026 12:48

this might be for the bargains thread, but i think people more likely to be interested are in this thread. the best price i've seen the HDB 630 go for @ $798 + $50 HN voucher.

if not for having bought a couple recently, i'd pounce on this.

timmmay

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#3488081 6-May-2026 14:26

nitro:

in-ears just don't work for some people. my daughter is one of them. even i have had issues with some where none of the included tips fit perfectly. i suppose fit has something to do with the effectivity of ANC.

Bose in-ears are quite different from most others. They have a comfort band and relatively shallow ear canal insertion. That definitely affects ANC, but it's a choice they've made.

I get to try quite a few headphones. I've tried half a dozen in the past six months - Sony WF-1000XM5, Technica AZ100, Bose Ultra v1, JBL Live Buds, a couple of Tozo.

Jaxson

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#3490574 13-May-2026 13:46

Massive price reduction...

Same design language as their vacuums...

nitro

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#3494028 20-May-2026 13:59

well... sony managed to make it look like the Sonos Ace - Sony 1000X The Collexion.

the cups appear to be better shaped, but the design ethos is still very close to the XM5/6 (which i'm not a big fan off.). premium materials to play in the price range, of course, and comes in a case that looks like a purse that your partner will bring to a date.

obviously a lot of tech shared with the XM6. new drivers would be interesting, but battery life takes a hit. appears to be in stock at some HN and JB branches. so something to check.

mrgsm021

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#3494045 20-May-2026 14:39

Not at $1k price though

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nitro

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#3494055 20-May-2026 15:15

mrgsm021:

Not at $1k price though

yeah. hard to get past that when ANC and microphone (call) performance are apparently identical to the XM6.

i guess B&W have the same strategy for the Px7 S3 and Px8 S2.

LostBoyNZ

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#3494060 20-May-2026 15:28

nitro:

mrgsm021:

Not at $1k price though

yeah. hard to get past that when ANC and microphone (call) performance are apparently identical to the XM6.

i guess B&W have the same strategy for the Px7 S3 and Px8 S2.

Engadget reported the ANC is actually worse performing than the XM6:

https://www.engadget.com/2176369/sony-1000x-the-collexion-review/ "Sony clearly explains that the ANC performance on The Collexion isn't as robust as the WH-1000XM6. That's despite the new model having the exact same QN3 processor, 12-microphone array and noise-canceling optimizer as last year's headphones. The difference comes down to the passive noise isolation in the ear pads as Sony says it prioritized comfort over seeking the pinnacle of ANC effectiveness. I can confirm the company accurately describes the difference between the two models, and you'll notice moderately loud noise creeping in at times — things like fans and white noise machines that operate at a constant roar."

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#3494106 20-May-2026 17:55

mrgsm021:

Not at $1k price though

Tell him he’s dreaming.

nitro

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#3494163 20-May-2026 18:28

LostBoyNZ:

Engadget reported the ANC is actually worse performing than the XM6:

https://www.engadget.com/2176369/sony-1000x-the-collexion-review/ "Sony clearly explains that the ANC performance on The Collexion isn't as robust as the WH-1000XM6. That's despite the new model having the exact same QN3 processor, 12-microphone array and noise-canceling optimizer as last year's headphones. The difference comes down to the passive noise isolation in the ear pads as Sony says it prioritized comfort over seeking the pinnacle of ANC effectiveness. I can confirm the company accurately describes the difference between the two models, and you'll notice moderately loud noise creeping in at times — things like fans and white noise machines that operate at a constant roar."

wow. that review is not positive at all.

Jaxson

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#3494439 21-May-2026 12:08

nitro:

wow. that review is not positive at all.

Depends on your requirements/values I guess.
It looks unique and feels good to wear, just doesn't sound as good.

Separately, considering some refurbished Bose headphones as a gift to someone.
They're currently on the bose nz site, and with a new sign on 10% bonus it's all looking pretty price attractive.
I just don't like how Bose sound is all, so not my cup of english breakfast personally.

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Dunnersfella

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#3494902 23-May-2026 19:59

I had a play in a JB HiFi the other day...

For a $1000 it feels less plasticy, but somehow still cheap.

I DO like the slider mechanism for the headband, but outside of that I'm struggling to see the value proposition as they aren't delivering a luxurious build in my opinion. You can't put in a 'pleather' headband/earcups and ask that sort of money in my books. People calling it 'vegan leather' are just on the bandwagon of the corporates who want to re-brand petroleum based plastic as something that targets people who have chosen a Vegan diet / lifestyle.

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#3495042 25-May-2026 11:13

Dunnersfella:

I had a play in a JB HiFi the other day...

For a $1000 it feels less plasticy, but somehow still cheap.

I DO like the slider mechanism for the headband, but outside of that I'm struggling to see the value proposition as they aren't delivering a luxurious build in my opinion. You can't put in a 'pleather' headband/earcups and ask that sort of money in my books. People calling it 'vegan leather' are just on the bandwagon of the corporates who want to re-brand petroleum based plastic as something that targets people who have chosen a Vegan diet / lifestyle.

https://www.soundguys.com/sony-wh-1000x-the-collexion-vs-wh-1000xm6-worth-the-200-premium-157886/

They pretty much agree with you

nitro

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#3495063 25-May-2026 13:11

Dunnersfella:

I had a play in a JB HiFi the other day...

For a $1000 it feels less plasticy, but somehow still cheap.

I DO like the slider mechanism for the headband, but outside of that I'm struggling to see the value proposition as they aren't delivering a luxurious build in my opinion. You can't put in a 'pleather' headband/earcups and ask that sort of money in my books. People calling it 'vegan leather' are just on the bandwagon of the corporates who want to re-brand petroleum based plastic as something that targets people who have chosen a Vegan diet / lifestyle.

popped into PBT to have a look. i agree with your view. outside of the the gorgeous exposed metal part of the headband (apparently hand-finished SONY logo), there's not much premium to my eye. the earcups don't look premium. and it might just be me, but they don't feel nice to touch - felt like it was sprayed on, rather than wrapped?! i do like the slightly thicker earpads on the XX.

and a quick test with what music was on offer didn't reveal any improvement over the XM6. the test music selection wouldn't be what i would prefer use, so YMMV.

networkn

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#3495184 25-May-2026 16:11

For that money I'd be looking at the HDB 630 which are the best wireless headphones I've tried.

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