Sony’s latest noise-cancelling headphones are a special anniversary set made to celebrate a decade of its prized 1000X series, designed to be plusher, slimmer, more comfortable and the best sounding yet. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The original 1000X launched in 2016, igniting a fierce rivalry with the dominant Bose and its QuietComfort line, which would push noise-cancelling technology dramatically forward as each tried to outdo the other with subsequent releases. Now Sony has taken the comfort, sound and technology from the last six 1000X iterations to create something more refined, not to replace the current kings of noise-cancelling headphones, the WH-1000XM6, but to offer a more luxurious set with plusher materials and sleeker design. Smooth metal arms and plush pleather replace the standard hard plastics used in most headphones for a softer feel. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian The WH-1000XX the Collexion cost £549 (€629/$649/A$1,000), sitting above the £349 1000XM6 and directly competing with high-priced luxury headphone rivals such as Apple’s …