What is DSEE Extreme and 360 Reality Audio on the Sony WF-1000XM6?

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These are two separate Sony audio technologies that do very different things. Here's what each one actually does.

DSEE Extreme: Making Spotify sound better

When you stream music from Spotify, Apple Music, or any streaming service, the audio is compressed to reduce file size. This compression removes subtle details, especially in high frequencies.

DSEE Extreme is Sony's AI that tries to restore those details. It analyzes what you're listening to in real-time, predicts what the missing information should be, and adds it back.

Does it work? Yes. Multiple reviewers mention double-checking they hadn't accidentally switched to a lossless stream. The improvement is most obvious in cymbals, acoustic instruments, and vocal clarity. Things that should shimmer actually shimmer.

To enable it, open the Sony Sound Connect app, go to Sound settings, and toggle DSEE Extreme on. It's off by default.

360 Reality Audio: Surround sound for earbuds

This is Sony's spatial audio format. Compatible tracks sound like music is coming from all around you instead of just left and right. The WF-1000XM6 adds head tracking, so the sound field stays fixed in space as you turn your head.

The catch: There isn't much 360 Reality Audio content anymore. Deezer dropped support in 2022. Tidal removed it in 2024. Amazon Music still has some tracks, but the library is limited.

Recommendation:

DSEE Extreme is worth keeping on since it improves content you already listen to. 360 Reality Audio is a nice bonus when you find compatible tracks, but the limited library means it shouldn't be a primary purchase reason.

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