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360 Reality Audio is Sony's spatial audio technology where sounds come from all around you instead of just left and right. The XM6 supports it, but there's nuance to understand.
The content problem:
True 360 Reality Audio requires music specifically mixed in that format. Amazon Music Unlimited is the main streaming service that supports it. Tidal dropped spatial audio. Apple Music uses Dolby Atmos, which is different technology.
If you mainly use Spotify or Apple Music, native 360 Reality Audio content isn't available.
The workaround: 360 Upmix for Cinema
New to the XM6 and more useful for most people. It takes regular stereo audio and creates a spatial effect. Works with any content.
Enable it in the Sony Sound Connect app. Particularly good for movies and TV shows on Netflix, YouTube, or any streaming service. Creates a surround sound effect that makes audio feel more immersive.
For music, the effect is subtler and some find it artificial. Better for video content.
The setup process:
Sony asks you to do a calibration. Headphones play sounds from different directions, and you indicate where you perceive them. This builds a personal profile based on your ear shape.
More work than Apple's automatic approach, but personalization can result in better accuracy.
Honest assessment:
Impressive when you have the right content. The Upmix feature makes spatial audio practical for everyday use.
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No, not really. The Sony WH-1000XM6 isn't built for exercise, and Sony explicitly says so. There's no water or sweat resistance, and moisture damage isn't covered under warranty.
Why they don't work for workouts:
These are luxury over-ear headphones designed for flights, offices, and home listening. They're engineered for comfort in controlled environments, not bouncing around during a workout.
Running? The headphones shift constantly. HIIT or anything involving jumping? Forget it.
Even during light exercise, the closed-back design traps heat. After 20 minutes, your ears will be warm and sweaty. That moisture can damage the drivers and break down ear cushions over time.
If you really want to try:
For low-impact activities like treadmill walking or stationary bikes, some people make it work.
Third-party sweat covers from companies like Wicked Cushions create a silicone barrier between your sweat and the headphones. Not perfect, but better than nothing.
What you should actually use:
For the gym, get earbuds designed for exercise. Sony's WF-1000XM5 earbuds have IPX4 sweat resistance. Beats Fit Pro and AirPods Pro 2 are other solid options.
The XM6 is excellent at almost everything, but exercise isn't one of them.
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Probably not, unless you have a specific pain point the XM6 addresses.
The honest assessment:
The XM5 is still a great pair of headphones. The XM6 is better in measurable ways, but the improvements are incremental rather than transformational.
What's actually different:
The XM6 has 12 microphones for ANC instead of 8, and the new QN3 processor is faster. Real-world noise cancellation improved by a couple percentage points. Noticeable in demanding environments like airplane cabins, but subtle in everyday use.
Sound quality improved slightly in the midrange. If you A/B test them carefully, you might notice more clarity. In normal listening, probably not.
The upgrades that matter most:
The folding design is back, and the case is much smaller. If the XM5's giant flat case annoyed you every day, this alone might justify the upgrade.
You can now charge while listening. Bluetooth LE Audio support future-proofs the headphones somewhat.
The math:
A used XM5 sells for $200-300. A new XM6 costs $400-450. That's $200-400 net for incremental improvements.
Recommendation:
If your XM5 works fine and the case doesn't bother you, wait for the XM7. If the flat case is genuinely annoying and you travel constantly, the XM6's folding design might be worth it. For most people, this is a skip.
Check current XM6 prices if you decide to upgrade.
There's no perfect EQ setting for everyone, but I can give you starting points based on common preferences.
How the XM6 sounds by default:
Warm and bass-forward. Relaxed, smooth sound that works well for casual listening. Some find it perfect. Others want more clarity.
The easy approach:
Use "Find Your Equalizer" in the Sony Sound Connect app. It plays different sound profiles while your music plays. You compare by ear and pick what you like.
If you want more detail and clarity:
The default tuning buries some upper midrange details. Try:
Start small. Big changes sound harsh.
If you love the bass:
Leave it alone. The XM6's natural tuning is great for hip-hop, EDM, and bass-heavy genres.
For podcasts:
The "Vocal" preset works well. Or boost 2kHz-4kHz by 2-3dB to make voices clearer.
DSEE Extreme:
This AI feature upscales compressed audio from Spotify. Some enable it and use minimal EQ, letting AI do the heavy lifting.
The real answer:
EQ is personal. Start with small adjustments and trust your ears.
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Build quality is generally good, but there's one thing worth knowing about: some users have reported hinge issues.
The hinge situation:
When Sony brought back the folding design, they redesigned the hinge mechanism. A small number of users have reported cracking at the point where the headband connects to the earcup.
Is this widespread? It doesn't appear to be. Reports suggest manufacturing variance on certain batches rather than a fundamental design flaw. Sony's warranty covers manufacturing defects, so affected users should get replacements.
Overall construction:
The XM6 is built similarly to most premium wireless headphones. Quality plastic with synthetic leather padding. Comparable to the Bose QC Ultra. Less premium than the AirPods Max, which uses aluminum but weighs significantly more and costs more.
The headband padding holds up well. Ear cushions are durable with normal use. The folding mechanism works smoothly.
How to protect your investment:
If something goes wrong:
Sony's warranty covers manufacturing defects. Contact support if you experience issues.
The hinge concerns are worth being aware of, but shouldn't be a dealbreaker. Most users have no problems.
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The box includes the essentials and not much else. Here's exactly what you get:
What's inside:
The carrying case:
Actually quite nice. Hard shell that protects the headphones well. Much smaller than the XM5's case because the headphones fold again. Pocket inside for cables and mesh section in lid for small accessories.
The cables:
The USB-C cable is short. Works fine for laptops or power banks.
The audio cable has an inline microphone that some find annoying. It can create static when touched. Many users buy a cheap third-party cable without the mic for cleaner audio.
What Sony didn't include:
No airplane adapter. No USB wall charger. No extra ear cushions.
The lack of an airplane adapter is annoying since flying is a main use case. Buy one for $5-10 on Amazon if needed.
The verdict:
Nothing fancy, but nothing essential is missing. The case is good quality. Consider grabbing an airplane adapter before your next flight.
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All three sound excellent, but they sound different. Here's what matters:
Sony WH-1000XM6: Warm and bass-forward
The XM6 emphasizes low end. Bass is substantial and present in a way that makes pop, hip-hop, and EDM sound engaging. Midrange has better clarity than the XM5. Treble is smooth, avoiding harshness but potentially lacking airiness.
If you like music that thumps, the XM6 does that well. Sony's app has a 10-band EQ if you want to tune it.
Bose QC Ultra: Balanced and natural
More neutral presentation. Bass is punchy but doesn't dominate. Midrange is clear. Treble has sparkle without getting harsh.
Often described as the most "natural" sounding. Works well with all genres.
AirPods Max: Bright and detailed
Most analytical of the three. Bass is tight and controlled. Midrange and treble are crisp and articulate. Detail retrieval is excellent.
Great for classical, jazz, and acoustic music. Some find the brighter tuning fatiguing for long sessions.
My take:
For casual listening and bass-heavy music, the XM6 sounds most fun. For all-around versatility, the Bose sounds most balanced. For critical listening where detail matters, the AirPods Max excels.
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The Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill offers solid build quality, excellent cooking performance, and easy assembly, making it a favorite for charcoal grill lovers who want reliability and classic Weber quality. However, be prepared to do some minor adjustments like straightening the grate or fixing warped vents out of the box. If quality control concerns worry you, or if you want a more premium setup with better ash management and lid sealing, you might consider looking into higher-tier Weber models or other brands with enhanced features. Overall, it's a dependable choice for those who appreciate straightforward charcoal grilling with a proven name behind it.
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics (Turkey & Rice Formula) is a solid, vet-recommended choice packed with quality protein and digestive support that dogs genuinely love eating. If your pup is active, a picky eater, or has had tummy troubles, this formula tackles those needs well. Just watch out for availability issues if you want continuous delivery. If grain-free or smaller bags are a must, you might want to explore other formulas or brands. Overall, it's a high-performance, premium option worth considering for your dog’s health and enjoyment.
The Crossery Escort Passport 9500iX Radar Detector offers durable long-range detection with fewer false alerts and handy voice notifications, making it a solid choice for everyday use. However, if you frequently drive busy highways or require consistent blocking of signals from specific vehicles, this detector might leave you wanting more sensitivity and range. Also, its laser scanner can be annoying to disable, and the overall build lacks polish compared to premium models. If you want a radar detector with better signal blocking and proven effectiveness in heavy traffic, we recommend exploring other brands known for their advanced detection technology.
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