Sony revives classic XM4 design with updated sound and EQ
Sony has reintroduced its acclaimed WH-1000XM4 headphones as the WH-1000XM4C, keeping the original foldable design and adding a lavender color option. The new model features an updated sound profile and a 10-band equalizer in the companion app, though it retains the older QN1 noise-canceling chip. The XM4C aims to offer the compact form factor that later models abandoned.
The revived model keeps the older QN1 chip and four-microphone array, contrasting sharply with the twelve microphones and QN3 chip in the current XM6. It upgrades to Bluetooth 6 and a 10-band equalizer, though battery life drops slightly to 27 hours with ANC enabled. At $300, it undercuts the XM6 by $100 but costs more than the currently discounted XM5.
Sony also refreshed its lower-tier lineup, launching the CH730N and CH530. Both receive the same equalizer and gaming preset upgrades, with the CH730N adopting a more compact folding form. The entry-level CH530 comes in six colors, while the CH730N is priced at $180.
This revival could appeal to consumers nostalgic for the compact folding design, but it may also confuse buyers who prioritize the latest noise-canceling technology. The $300 price point could make premium ANC more accessible, though the availability of newer, cheaper XM5s might cannibalize sales. This move may signal a broader industry trend of reissuing classic hardware to leverage brand heritage, potentially influencing how consumers weigh older aesthetics against modern performance.