Sony WH-CH520 coming soon to replace WH-CH510 (update 2)

A new wireless headsets from Sony has appeared on the FCC, the YY2958. In an earlier post I wrote that this code was still unknown and could have been a new headset and it turned out this is the case. The new headset is the WH-CH520, replacing the older WH-CH510.

From the FCC filing, we can see that the design seems to be similar to the current model but updated with elements from the WH-1000XM5 and WH-XB910N. The plastic appears to be smooth and not textured, possibly using similar materials like other recent headsets. The previous model came in black, white, and blue colours, so I would think we will see the same with the new model.

The other photo in the label document gives us a better look at the hinge design. Rather than the band plastic being part of the hinge, it looks like it connects to the hinge piece via some connection, similar to the WH-XB910N. The headset is made in Vietnam as seen from the label below.

It will be interesting if Sony keeps the 30mm drivers or goes for something smaller with newer tech, similar to the flagship WH-1000XM5. While both AAC and SBC should be supported, it is unknown if LDAC will be present. As for LE audio support, unknown, but the headset was tested for Bluetooth LE, so perhaps it will come with LE audio or a future firmware update would add it. (see update)

There is no mention of what Bluetooth version is supported, but there is Bluetooth LE support as I mentioned earlier. I would think this headset will have 5.0 at least, and could even ship with 5.2/5.3. The previous model used the Realtek RTL8763P for its Bluetooth chip, but there is no information in the FCC filing regarding what chip is being used in the headset. If Sony has moved to a newer Bluetooth chip, then the chances to see LE Audio and LC3 codec support are much better than if Sony keeps the old Realtek RTL8763P.

The FCC filing reveals a 3.7V battery but no capacity. Interestingly the device tested is a production model, so I feel an announcement/reveal is coming soon. The headset uses a chip antenna, specifically, the ALA321C3 model according to the filing, the specsheet can be found here for those interested. The same antenna document also shows that Sony still uses the HDX coding for their headphones.

That is all that I can gather from the filing, hopefully more will leak soon, but I have a feeling this might just show up on Sony's website without notice.

As for any other news, not much else, hearing some rumours regarding Sony testing the LE Audio firmware on various new headsets, like LinkBuds and LinkBuds S, but nothing specific.

Update:

The headset has appeared on Canada's FCC. Does not reveal anything new though.

Update: 

The headset has popped up on Bluetooth SIG. It will be definitely using an Airoha chipset, but unknown which one at this moment, but most likely a lower end version.

Also in the certification is the support for "Isochronous Adaptation Layer", which means LE Audio will be supported. If that will be right away or after a firmware update remains to be seen.

Update 2:

Sony removed the image of the headphones from the filing and replaced it with a drawing from the manual. It does give us a better look at the full design. If anyone from Sony is reading this, I would gladly test the new model for you guys for a review :D