Sony new flagship WH-1000XM5 headphone features two ANC chips, and all-new design and drivers
Sony new flagship WH-1000XM5 headphone features two ANC chips, and all-new design and drivers
Note: This article was first published on 13 May 2022.
Sony has just unveiled its newest flagship wireless ANC headphone and it's called the WH-1000XM5.
The first thing you'd probably notice about them is that they have an all-new design. It looks cleaner but it's also clear that they borrow some design cues from rival headphones like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and Apple AirPods Max.
One thing worth mentioning is that the new design doesn't allow it to fold. The upside is that there's no fussing about when you are done with them and want to put them back in their carrying case. The downside, of course, is that they take up more space in your bag. The WH-1000XM5 is available in black and silver.
Apart from the design, there are big changes to the internals of the headphone. To begin, the WH-1000XM5 features not one, but two noise-cancelling chips. It uses one Integrated Processor V1 (first seen in Sony's WF-1000XM4) and a separate HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1.
In addition, there are 8 microphones which constantly monitor sound inside and outside the ear cups and even external environmental factors such as atmospheric pressure.
The WH-1000XM5 also has an all-new driver. In place of the old 40mm units are smaller 30mm dynamic drivers that have soft thermoplastic polyurethane edges that Sony says are more effective at cancelling low-frequency noises. The diaphragm is a carbon fibre composite that is rigid yet lightweight. This, Sony says, improves clarity and treble reproduction.
In terms of connectivity, the WH-1000XM5 supports Bluetooth 5.2 and supported wireless codecs including LDAC, AAC, and SBC. There's support for Multipoint connectivity but only if you are using AAC and SBC codecs.
Battery life is rated at 30 hours on a single with ANC activated. Users can stretch that to 40 hours if they disable ANC. The headphone charges over USB-C, just like the existing WH-1000XM4 model.
Availability and pricing
The Sony WH-1000XM5 will be available locally from the middle of June. It is priced at S$569 and comes in two colour options - Black and Silver.
Pre-orders start now and will end on 8 June 2022. Customers who pre-order will receive a free headphone stand with a built-in charger. Additionally, Sony is offering a trade-in program where customers can get up to S$80 off with selected 1000X series headphones.
Amazon Singapore too has an equivalent offer with the same free headphones stand and if you are trading in any existing Sony 1000XM series headset, you are eligible to receive an S$80 Amazon.sg Gift Card. Sounds enticing? Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 in Black here, and the Silver version here.