st248

TECH REVIEW

visit jbhifi.com.au/stack

Bluetooth: v5.3 Multipoint: Yes, 2x devices Controls: Touch control on right earcup, ANC button, Power, Bluetooth button Voice Assistant: Google and Alexa Battery life: Up to 30 hours (ANC on) and 40 hours (ANC off) Quick charge: 3 mins = 180 mins of playback Wired: Yes, 3.5mm mini jack

brings the cinema experience to the couch with complete immersion. Throw on Top Gun: Maverick , and that couch becomes an F-18 Super Hornet. Design and comfort At first glance, the M6 resemble the M5, but the refinements are noticeable in use. A wider headband and softer, plush memory foam earcups make for a more comfortable fit, especially over long listening sessions, without the dreaded head-clamp pressure. It’s easy to forget you’re wearing them. The M6 are noticeably lighter, too, and the folding design is back – ideal for travel or slipping into a bag for the commute. Call quality and smart features Call performance is an underrated but essential feature, and Sony nails it again. With six mics and AI voice pickup, phone calls sound impressively clear, even in noisy environments. The voice is well isolated, and background noise cleverly reduced. Then there is Head Gesture Control, a surprisingly handy feature: simply nod to answer a call, and shake to reject. Not just a gimmick, it’s a genuinely valuable feature for busy hands and on-the-move moments. Battery life and charging Battery life remains impressive, with up to 30 hours with ANC on, matching the best in the market. Run out of charge? A quick three-minute top-up delivers three hours of playback, making these some of the most convenient cans to own if you're always on the move.

REVIEW

It’s been three years since the Sony WH-1000XM5s launched, delivering next-level audio and ANC. Now, the next generation in the popular headphone series is here. We got hands - and ears - on with the new Sony WH-1000XM6. Words Paul Jones SONY WH-1000XM6 WIRELESS HEADPHONES Premium ear gear that excels in every category

Noise cancelling Sony has long been the leader in active noise cancelling (ANC), and the WH-1000XM6 (or M6 for short) comfortably extends that reputation. With a jump to 12 microphones and new processing power, the M6 now cancels a wider range of sound frequencies in real time, adapting to your environment and even head position. It goes beyond the low-end rumbles to tackle human voices and ambient city sounds with remarkable effectiveness – the sense of stillness is almost eerie, albeit in a good way. The ambient sound mode also feels more natural, letting external noise in with minimal digital artefacts – perfect for crossing roads, or catching essential train announcements.

Sound quality While silence is golden, sound is still king. Sony has done an excellent job fine-tuning and boosting an already impressive platform. Thanks to a new driver and input from studio sound engineers, the M6 delivers a beautifully balanced and detailed performance. The bass is tight and present without being boomy, vocals sit clearly in the mix, and treble is crisp with just the right amount of sparkle. From the warmth of jazz and classical to the punch of pop, metal and dance, the M6 handle it all with aplomb. The upgraded carbon fibre composite dome and re-engineered driver unlock subtle nuances in tracks you thought you knew. LDAC support ensures that even compressed Spotify streams get the royal treatment. Movie buffs will love the 360 Reality Audio Upmix. Spatial audio

App and customisation The Sound Connect app remains an essential part of the experience. Use it to tweak the EQ, adjust ANC settings, enable features like Speak to-Chat or Adaptive Sound Control, and install updates. It’s clean, intuitive, and adds real value. The bottom line Sony hasn’t just improved on a winning formula – they have perfected it! The WH-1000XM6 headphones are comfortable, powerful, deliver exceptional sound and ANC, and are packed with thoughtful features for easy everyday use. If you're shopping for premium headphones that excel in every category, the XM6 is an easy recommendation.

26 JUNE 2025

jbhifi.com.au