Sony has taken a design diversion with the latest update to its 1000X noise cancelling Bluetooth headphone series. The WH-1000XM5 cans feature a sleek new look with a stepless headband slider.
Unlike their predecessors, there are no hinges and they’re not collapsible. The ear cushion shape is also slightly rounder, ostensibly to better block external noise without putting pressure on your ears. For improved comfort, newly developed soft fit synthetic leather is used for the cushions and headband.
To promote the WH-1000XM5, Sony has partnered with singer-songwriter Khalid (pictured above).
“The noise cancelling really makes you feel closer to the music and hear all the details in a song, transporting you to a different world which is how I love to experience music,” said Khalid.
The new XM5 headphones offer a number of technical improvements. Noise cancelling has had an upgrade, with two processors controlling eight microphones (four on each earcup), and a greater variety of settings. The configuration better targets mid-high frequency hubbub, while an Auto NC Optimizer automatically optimises the noise cancellation operation, depending on the location.
The headphones are built around Sony’s familiar V1 processor, and QN1 noise canceller…
The XM5’s have a newly designed 30mm driver unit, for greater clarity and bass reproduction. The drivers use a carbon fibre composite material that improves high frequency sensitivity, along with some fancy lead-free solder containing gold.
The headphones are built around Sony’s familiar V1 processor, and QN1 noise canceller. High-Resolution Audio compatible, the headphones support LDAC encoding, and have DSEE Extreme upscaling. Naturally the new headphones are 360 Reality Audio certified, too. 360 music tracks can be heard on Tidal, Amazon Music and Deezer.
They are just as smart as their WH-1000XM4predecessor too, using Adaptive Sound Control to automatically tailor sound to suit your situation; they can recognise your most frequently travelled locations (train stations, coffee shop, etc), adjusting the ambient sound settings accordingly.
The WH-1000XM5 are Google Assistant and Alexa compatible; just say “Ok Google” or “Alexa” to activate your chosen voice assistant.
There’s also Speak-to-Chat, which pauses music playback when you begin talking, and implement instant pause as soon as you take the headphones off.
Usability looks good. The WH-1000XM5 support Google Fast Pair, allowing you to quickly pair with Android devices, while Swift Pair makes it quick and easy to pair your headphones to your Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop, desktop PC or tablet.
Battery life is rated at 30 hours. If you need a quick top-up, three minutes on the mains will give you three hours of playtime.
Upgrade your portable music system for the Summer season with one of a trio of stylish new Bluetooth speakers from Sony. Ideal for patios, BBQs and beach parties, the models are available in a variety of on-trend colourways and are IP67 rated, making them splash and dust resistant. Expect big booming bass and wide soundContinue Reading
Austrian Hi-Fi specialist Pro-Ject Audio Systems has announced the Metallica Limited Edition turntable. Designed in partnership with the world-conquering heavy metal band, the deck combines an eye-catching design with audiophile construction. Handmade in Europe, the collector’s item features a suitably heavy MDF plinth with unique Metallica design, and mirror finished, metal top plate. A glassContinue Reading
Take That were looking sharp at the 75th Cannes Film Festival this afternoon, when Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald took part in a special Riviera photocall to introduce international film buyers to upcoming movie Greatest Days, which is based on the hit stage musical The Band, which features music and lyrics from TakeContinue Reading
The Luxe Review 
Sony has taken a design diversion with the latest update to its 1000X noise cancelling Bluetooth headphone series. The WH-1000XM5 cans feature a sleek new look with a stepless headband slider.
Unlike their predecessors, there are no hinges and they’re not collapsible. The ear cushion shape is also slightly rounder, ostensibly to better block external noise without putting pressure on your ears. For improved comfort, newly developed soft fit synthetic leather is used for the cushions and headband.
To promote the WH-1000XM5, Sony has partnered with singer-songwriter Khalid (pictured above).
“The noise cancelling really makes you feel closer to the music and hear all the details in a song, transporting you to a different world which is how I love to experience music,” said Khalid.
The new XM5 headphones offer a number of technical improvements. Noise cancelling has had an upgrade, with two processors controlling eight microphones (four on each earcup), and a greater variety of settings. The configuration better targets mid-high frequency hubbub, while an Auto NC Optimizer automatically optimises the noise cancellation operation, depending on the location.
The XM5’s have a newly designed 30mm driver unit, for greater clarity and bass reproduction. The drivers use a carbon fibre composite material that improves high frequency sensitivity, along with some fancy lead-free solder containing gold.
The headphones are built around Sony’s familiar V1 processor, and QN1 noise canceller. High-Resolution Audio compatible, the headphones support LDAC encoding, and have DSEE Extreme upscaling. Naturally the new headphones are 360 Reality Audio certified, too. 360 music tracks can be heard on Tidal, Amazon Music and Deezer.
They are just as smart as their WH-1000XM4 predecessor too, using Adaptive Sound Control to automatically tailor sound to suit your situation; they can recognise your most frequently travelled locations (train stations, coffee shop, etc), adjusting the ambient sound settings accordingly.
The WH-1000XM5 are Google Assistant and Alexa compatible; just say “Ok Google” or “Alexa” to activate your chosen voice assistant.
There’s also Speak-to-Chat, which pauses music playback when you begin talking, and implement instant pause as soon as you take the headphones off.
Usability looks good. The WH-1000XM5 support Google Fast Pair, allowing you to quickly pair with Android devices, while Swift Pair makes it quick and easy to pair your headphones to your Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop, desktop PC or tablet.
Battery life is rated at 30 hours. If you need a quick top-up, three minutes on the mains will give you three hours of playtime.
Available in black and platinum silver, the WH-1000XM5 are priced at £380 and are available here.
It’s my party: Sony lights up portable audio with three stylish new Bluetooth speakers
Upgrade your portable music system for the Summer season with one of a trio of stylish new Bluetooth speakers from Sony. Ideal for patios, BBQs and beach parties, the models are available in a variety of on-trend colourways and are IP67 rated, making them splash and dust resistant. Expect big booming bass and wide soundContinue Reading
Master of playback: Enter the Pro-Ject Limited Edition Metallica turntable
Austrian Hi-Fi specialist Pro-Ject Audio Systems has announced the Metallica Limited Edition turntable. Designed in partnership with the world-conquering heavy metal band, the deck combines an eye-catching design with audiophile construction. Handmade in Europe, the collector’s item features a suitably heavy MDF plinth with unique Metallica design, and mirror finished, metal top plate. A glassContinue Reading
Take That take over 75th Cannes Film Festival to promote movie musical Greatest Days
Take That were looking sharp at the 75th Cannes Film Festival this afternoon, when Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald took part in a special Riviera photocall to introduce international film buyers to upcoming movie Greatest Days, which is based on the hit stage musical The Band, which features music and lyrics from TakeContinue Reading
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