V-Moda Crossfade Wireless Headphones Review
V-Moda was founded in 2002 by Val Kolton, trying to combine fashion and audiophile grade headphones. Here we are reviewing the V-Moda Crossfade Wireless.
V-Moda introduced a couple of other models over the years and received a great reception within the first quite skeptical audiophile world. However, extremely sturdy quality with an incredible attention to detail, plus great sound quality made his brand successful. V-Moda has now sold more than 4 Million headphones and is growing still.
With 30% of the TOP100 DJs using V-Moda products (among them Paul Oakenfold, Giorgio Moroder and The Crystal Method – all bands and DJs I really like) – I was tasked to find out if they are capable of producing a proper wireless headphone.
Manufacture’s Specifications:
- Type: Over Ear Bluetooth Wireless/Wired Headphone (Circumaural)
- Drivers Size: 50mm diameter
- Drivers Type: dual diaphragm dynamic neodymium
- Frequency Response: 5 – 30,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 107 dB in 1mW
- Impedance: 30 Ω
- Microphone sensitivity: -42dB
- Maximum Input: 100 mW
- Weight with cable: 292g
- Connector: Bluetooth / 3.5 m single ended, 1.5m straight cable with Mic.
- MSRP: AED 1199
Design/Materials/Build Quality
Design:
The color scheme I am reviewing is not my cup of tea – but only looks wise. I would prefer the black version. The best thing is: I have 4 different color options to choose from. If I want to further customize my headphones I can choose and design my own “shields” that cover the ear cups. Amazing. I can provide my own design or structure that will be laser etched and/or 3D printed on the headphone. So you can create something really unique and beautiful.
The headphone is general on the smaller size. It’s pretty similar to the original Crossfade headphones. The goal was to protect everything that made the Crossfade such a a hit and add wireless functionality. During the year long process the goal posts changed and V-Moda wanted to improve the sound while running cabled and at least maintain the sound while running wirelessly.
Build quality is solid as a rock. Absolutely grade A, you have to roll over these headphones with a tank to destroy them (and then you would only pay half price to get a replacement thanks to the generous life time coverage from V-Moda). Build quality is absolutely superb.
Style/Look
Lots of metal, military spec durability and an “immortal life program” – this means, after thee first year of full warranty, as an owner of a V-Moda, you can exchange your broken headphone for 50% of the new retail price with a new one. That’s pretty generous and shows how V-Moda backs their products.
Comfort:
292g – due to the use of lots of metal in its construction this headphone is not light. However, thanks to well designed headbands and ear-pads, it doesn’t feel that heavy. It’s pretty comfortable and sits properly on your head. The ear pads are on the smaller side. Just about comfortable for my medium to large ears. But even if your ears are larger than mine, V-Moda is for you, you can get a set of larger ear pads (XL-Pads) from the manufacturer.
Supplied accessories:
The Crossfade Wireless come with a genius hard shell case, a carabiner hook, an USB-charging cable and a remote-mic-cable that is of course, removable. You also get a sticker and a user manual.
Sound
The Crossfade M-100 is a highly regarded headphone. I am happy to report that the Crossfade sounds at least as good if not better. Using the headphone via cable switches the headphone into “passive mode” – no batteries needed, ever. The Wireless has a fun signature. It’s on the warmer side, meaning it has quite some elevated boost in the bass area. It certainly pumps out some impressive beats with its large driver. Using the headphones via Bluetooth, is jawdropping. I have heard quite a few bluetooth headphones over time, but none comes close to the sound quality of the V-Moda. The Pendulumic Stance S+ is a contender but has to accept defeat from this amazing BT can.
Bass: Yep. Powerful, huge, dominant. Leaves nothing to ask for. It’s great bass. Defined and impactful, no bloat.
Mid-range: Mids are by the are prominent, not recessed but also not forward. Pretty neutral I would say.
Treble: While the overall clarity is really really nice, the treble is slightly rolled off, a bit more so in wireless mode, to my ears. When using a cable and an amp the treble is less rolled off. Overall still great detail and enjoyable, fatigue free treble.
Sound Stage and instruments separations: For a closed headphone above average soundstage and good instrument separation. I wouldn’t call it extraordinary but from a money for value ratio, it’s pretty extraordinary. You can listen to these headphones for hours. While commenting or in the office. You don’t even have to take them off to make phone calls as they work as a headset in both modes, wired and wireless.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- amazing sound while using cable
- incredible bluetooth performance
- microphone and remote in the cable, additional high quality microphone in ear cups for wireless use
- military spec durability and build quality
- fun sound signature on steroids – best sound quality of any Bluetooth headphone I heard
- crazy customization options
- 12 h battery life
Cons:
- slight treble roll of in wireless use (but really only by a fraction degree)
- looks (also a pro, depending if you like it)
- nothing else really
Conclusion
I AM A CONVERT. The only time I used bluetooth headphones was in the gym. There were just too many compromises in sound quality, battery life and durability. But I have to reverse my stance with the V-Moda Crossfade Wireless. They last impressive 12 hours on a charge and unlike other bluetooth headphones these can continue perfectly well when used in passive/wired mode.
For the retail price off 1,199 dirhams, I believe this will be a hit. It’s like having two headphones in one. You want an audiophile/fun sound signature – use them with your amp in wired mode. You want to get rid of the pesky cables while working, commuting, gym, etc. use them in wireless mode and be impressed.
Incredible customization options and colour schemes. What’s not to like. I will be getting a pair. People who know me will be surprised that I go for a bluetooth headphone, but with the quality as good as the V-Moda, I am sold. Apparently the designers of this headphone took 6 months alone deciding on the right buttons (on the right ear cup for play/pause, volume up and down) so that they are silent enough that you don’t hear it click too loud, but give enough feedback so you know you it “clicked”. This attention to detail shows. 4 years in the making the V-Moda Crossfade Wireless redefines the wireless headphone market. Ver impressive.
