Listening to Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones for 10 hours on trains led me to the conclusion that I should upgrade from my cherished XM4 headphones.
In the realm of high-end wireless headphones, Sony's WH-1000XM series has been a favourite among music enthusiasts and frequent travellers. Recently, I had the opportunity to test the latest addition to the family, the WH-1000XM6, on two five-hour train journeys.
The key differences between the XM6 and its predecessor, the XM4, centre on design, sound quality, noise cancellation, and price.
In terms of design and portability, the XM6 boasts a more compact design with smaller earcups and a folding hinge, making them easier to carry and store. The case for the XM6 is also a significant improvement, offering better portability.
The XM6 also delivers an updated sound profile, with a focus on enhancing vocal clarity. While this comes with a slightly less wide soundstage and spatial imaging compared to the XM4, the XM6 strikes a balance between the warmth of the XM4 and a more neutral, studio-monitor-like sound. Both headphones support LDAC, AAC, and Sony's DSEE audio enhancement, with the XM6 featuring a "find my equalizer" feature for personalized sound tuning.
The XM6 also improves on active noise cancellation (ANC), offering slightly better noise-blocking performance compared to the XM4. Controls for ANC are also clearer on the XM6, with separate buttons and distinguishable shapes reducing accidental activation.
The touch controls on the XM6 have been refined, with gesture capabilities for volume and skipping tracks. However, some accidental inputs still occur.
Both models offer similar battery life around 30 hours with ANC on and comparable Bluetooth connectivity features.
The WH-1000XM6 are significantly more expensive, around double the price of the WH-1000XM4 (approximately £400 vs £199), which is a major consideration for potential buyers.
Despite the higher price tag, the XM6 headphones delivered a richer and more dynamic sound, with lower frequencies presented with ample punch. The headband felt plush and comfortable, even after 10 hours of travel, and the clamping force was not too aggressive.
However, the earpads got quite warm and sweaty during use. The battery life was impressive, with the headphones still having 90% battery life after a five-hour and ten-minute train journey with noise-cancelling activated.
The shrieking child's noise during the return journey was effectively blocked by the XM6 headphones. Voices sounded textured and natural on the XM6, and the improved ANC made for a more enjoyable travel experience.
Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones, my travel companion since their release in 2020, still provide excellent sound in a comfortable and stylish package. They remain an excellent choice for those seeking great value and a reliable pair of headphones.
In conclusion, while the WH-1000XM6 bring incremental but meaningful improvements in sound clarity, ANC, design, and controls, the XM4 remain excellent and offer great value. Upgrading is recommended if you want the latest improvements and better portability, but the XM4 still satisfy most users well.
[1] The Verge
[2] Wired
[3] TechRadar
[4] Trusted Reviews
[5] Tom's Guide
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