Hi,
I recently purchased a SONY WH-1000XM3 a week ago and I just found out an issue with it after a week of use. Here's what happened.
I was using my headphones and it seemed normal in all modes (ANC & Ambient sound ON) with 80% juice on it. As I was using it and down to 40% battery after a couple of hours, I notice that there is a minimal yet annoying sound coming from the left speaker, which is noticeable since I am on a phone call with someone and I had ANC turned on. After the call, I immediately investigated. First of all, I thought it was a bluetooth connection issue with my Android phone so I tried to connect it to my iPhone but still I can hear the cracking/scratching sound. And then what I did is I disconnected my headphone to any phone's bluetooth. Now I am disconnected to any bluetooth connection, I can still hear the cracking/scratching sound on the same speaker. I tried to switch mode from ANC to Ambient sound, and still I can hear it. It only goes away if I turn off ANC/Ambient sound.
Now, I tried to charge my headphone to a 100% and the cracking/scratching sound seemed to disappear both on ANC and Ambient sound. Then I used my headphone for hours just trying to get it at 40% battery, and there the cracking/scratching sound appears once again.
I tried to reset the headphone while holding down the Power button and ANC/Ambient button at the same time and I was successful. Then I turned it on (still has 40% battery) and the cracking/scratching sound has transferred to the right speaker, which was louder but only for a short time until it went back to the left speaker. I even got the headphone's battery to as low as 20%, thinking the issue will be gone but still it is persistent.
I am pretty sure the headphone is not picking up any noise inside my small room and I guarantee that my room is very quiet while observing. I can describe the cracking/scratching sound, it sounded like electricity that is trying to flow into the speaker.
I am pretty sure that I got a defective unit. I bought this at Gatwick Airport (Dixons Travel), I am currenty in the Carribean and on a ship, where I work, and there is no way I can go to any Sony store until Mid-March. I am not sure if I can come back and visit the store inside Gatwick Airport, because I am not certain that I will be flying through that airport. The biggest chance for me to visit a Sony Store/Center is when I get home to the Philippines, although I asked the store if the warranty is granted internationally and they said yes. So my concern is: Will I be granted an exchange/replacement of my headphone considering the length of time since purchase of the unit?
