Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless Headphones Review

Sony WH-1000XM2 Pros&Cons

Sony WH-1000XM2 Specs

• Impedance: 46Ω
• Driver size: 40mm
• Frequency response: 4 Hz ~ 40 kHz
• Sensitivity: 103dB / mW (1kHz)
• Noise Cancellation: Digital
• Battery life: Up to 38 hours
• Cable: 1.5m

Packaging 

Something you can pretty much always expect from big brand-names like Sony is, at the very least, decent packaging. Thankfully, the WH-1000XM2 is no different. We get some very professional-looking packaging which showcases all of the WH-1000XM2’s features.

The WH-1000XM2 comes shipped in ‘double packaging’, as it consists of what is essentially an outer box, as well as an inner box. The front of the outer packaging boldly displays the left ear-cup, which also shows a mic for the noise cancellation as well as an NFC logo for quick pairing.

The lower portion also hosts more logos than a Formula 1 car. Of course these are to boast about the WH-1000XM2’s wireless capability, Hi-Res certification, and Noise Cancelling, among others.

The rear of the outer box lists a few more features as well as what’s included in the box with the WH-1000XM2.

And, of course, a few more logos to show off some of Sony’s audio wizardry that has gone into the WH-1000XM2.

The inner box is all-black, with only the ‘Sony’ logo on the front.

The inner box opens up much like a book, and once opened reveals the WH-1000XM2’s case and cables.

What’s in the box?

• Sony WH-1000XM2
• Storage case
• 3.5mm cable
• Micro-USB charging cable
• Aircraft adapter
• Quick start guide

Read: V-Moda Wireless Review

Accessories 

Not a great deal has been included with the WH-1000XM2, pretty much the bare essentials for a “travel” pair of headphones, really. The semi-hard storage/travel case is quite compact, having only just enough space to fit the WH-1000XM2, 3.5mm cable, charging cable, and aircraft adapter. Actually, it’s a rather well-designed case when taking into account that you can fit all of that in, yet still have such a relatively compact package.

The 3.5mm stereo cable is quite long, at 1.5m, and seems to be of very decent construction. Of course, this cable will be exceptionally handy if/when you still want to use the WH-1000XM2 after its battery had been depleted. But, as always, a wired-connection will also provide the best sound quality…or so you’d think (more on that soon).

Read: Sony MDR1000x Noise cancelling headphones Review

Design

Here’s the thing about the WH-1000XM2, it’s actually really comfortable. The soft headband cushion and earpads will ensure that the WH-1000XM2 gives the listener a comfortable wearing experience, especially during prolonged sessions, such as commuting on public transport and airlines.

Stylistically, the WH-1000XM2 has a rather understated look, which will surely seem a bit “boring” to some people. But if you’re looking for something that won’t standout like a sore thumb, the WH-1000XM2 does seem like a fine choice. For those who want a little more pizzazz, Sony also makes a gold-coloured version.

Of course, we can’t forget the features that have been designed into the WH-1000XM2. Much like the Sennheiser PXC550, the WH-1000XM2 has an NFC chip in the left earcup, and a touch panel on the right earcup. However, if you’re an iOS user, then sorry, but you won’t be able to take advantage of the NFC features. This is simply because, well, Apple sucks and they have (thus far) restricted the iPhone’s NFC chip strictly for ApplePay. As such, iOS users would have to connect to the WH-1000XM2 the old-fashioned-way..you know, the way cavemen used to do it.

Firstly, Bluetooth would need to be turned on within the iDevice’s settings, and then the WH-1000XM2 would need to be put in pairing mode. To do this, first make sure that the WH-1000XM2 is completely turned off, then hold down the power button for approximately 7 seconds, after which your iDevice should be able to detect the WH-1000XM2.
For Android users, though, it’s as simple as turning on NFC on their phone and touching the left earcup with the rear panel of their Android device. Easy peasy!

Then there’s the matter of the right earcup and its touch panel. This is by no means a new feature…actually, it’s been around for a while. However, Sony seem to have executed it really well with the WH-1000XM2. What this touch panel allows you to do is to raise or lower the volume, skip or pause tracks, as well as answering calls. For example, to raise the volume, simply swipe upwards, or to skip to the next track, simply swipe forwards. It really does allow you to be almost entirely free of the source component (phone or Bluetooth-enabled DAP) in a very intuitive manner.

The other trick up the WH-1000XM2’s sleeve is its NC/Ambient button. Located just above the power button (on the left earcup), this button allows the user to switch between noise cancellation, ambient mode, or off. As the name suggests, in noise cancellation mode the WH-1000XM2 attempts to restrict outside noise from leaking in and messing around with your tunes. However, you could also simply use the noise cancellation for when you just want a bit of peace and quiet. Now, it’s not perfect, but it does a very decent job nonetheless.
Then there’s the Ambient mode. In this mode, the WH-1000XM2 attempts to allow all external noises in. With ambient mode it almost sounds like you’re not wearing headphones at all. Again, it’s not perfect, and in fact it actually seems as though the WH-1000XM2 boosts the volume of the external sound rather than keeping them at their natural levels. But it should be noted that the microphones and further processing does do a fine job of allowing you to still pinpoint where external sounds are coming from.
And then there’s the Off mode in which case the WH-1000XM2 simply acts like a regular set of closed-back headphones.

Sound

Test Setup
Source: Shanling M2s, Samsung Galaxy S7
DAC/Amp: IFI Micro iDSD Black Label

As for how the WH-1000XM2 sounds, let’s keep in mind that the final sound character is influenced by a number of things. A DAC has its own signature, as does an amplifier, and of course any sort of digital signal processing will affect the sound too. In the case of a wireless set of headphones/IEMs, the product must have its own DAC and amp built in (as the signal is sent in digital format from the source to the headphones/IEMs). As such, in order to preserve audio fiditlity, manufacturers must pay close attention to how the internal DAC and amp is implemented. Thankfully, in the case of the WH-1000XM2, Sony has done a wonderful job.

Wireless
In wireless mode the WH-1000XM2 performs admirably. One aspect of its sound signature that took me by surprise is that it didn’t have any major bass bloat. But then again, at this price point, one should expect a more refined sound character. Overall the WH-1000XM2 offers a relatively neutral sound signature, with just a slight hint of warmth. The details are there, and is presented in a manner well-suited for prolonged listening sessions. Detail retrieval is certainly not on the same level as a reference quality set of headphones, but absolute sonic quality also doesn’t seem to have been Sony’s priority with the WH-1000XM2.

Wired
Usually we’d expect the WH-1000XM2 (or any headphones, for that matter) to sound best in wired mode, but oddly enough, this simply isn’t the case for the WH-1000XM2.
Compared to the wireless mode, in wired mode the WH-1000XM2 sounds a bit bloated and unclear. However, one positive thing about wired mode is that you can get the volume louder than in wireless mode. Still, it seems that all of the WH-1000XM2’s sonic goodness in wireless mode must be due to some DSP trickery within the internal circuits. This is a bit of a shame, as it means that you’d be left with a rather disappointing sound signature should you ever find yourself needing to use a depleted WH-1000XM2.

Read: Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless Headphones Review

Value 

In terms of value the WH-1000XM2 certainly does sit on the pricier side of the spectrum. However, it also does bring some less-common features and above average wireless sound quality. Coupled with its comfortable design and respectable noise-cancellation features, the WH-1000XM@ does start to make more sense. Of course, it is designed to be in direct competition with a few other products in the same league such as those offered by Sennheiser and Bose, and honestly, the Sony really can hold its own. It performs as intended and expected, and as such is an easily recommended option if you’re in the market for a set of great sounding wireless headphones that feature noise cancellation too.

Rating

The TECH MERIT rating system is designed to take as many aspects of the device into account as possible. As such, we have a basic rating, as well as a final rating. The basic rating rates the product purely as a high quality portable audio device, and is generally a good indicator of how it stacks up to its rivals in terms of standard features and specs. The final rating, however, grants bonus points for any extra features and specs that aren’t quite as common, and is a great way to judge the product as a complete package.

Packaging
Look and feel: 8 / 10

Included Accessories
Protective case: YES

Build
Quality control: 9 / 10
Seems durable: YES
Microphonics: 8 / 10
Comfort: 9 / 10

Sound
Relatively balanced signature: –
Soundstage: 7 / 10
Detail retrieval: 8 / 10
Sibilance: 9 / 10
Instrument separation: 7 / 10
Isolation: 8 / 10
Hiss: 9 / 10

Portability
Small size: 8 / 10
Relatively low power required: 8 / 10
Weight: 9 / 10

Value
Competitive price-point: –
Relative value: 7 / 10

Basic Rating: 8.1

Bonus points
Removable cables: YES
Number of cables included: 1
Premium cables: –
How premium the case looks and feels: 8 / 10
Battery life above 8 hours: YES
Bluetooth: YES
Apt-X: YES
Volume/remote controls: YES
Metal body: –
Premium look and feel: –
Use of exotic materials: –
Bluetooth connection quality: 9 / 10
1/4” adapter included: –
Cable management: YES
Aircraft adapter: YES
Extra earpads: –

Final Rating: 8.8

Competitor:

Sennheiser PXC550 Headphones

Sony MDR1000x Headphones.

Bose QC35 Headphones

Bose QC35 II Headphones

Parrot Zik 3 Headphones

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