V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless review: A worthy upgrade from its predecessor

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TA ratings 97We’re no stranger to V-MODA products and we’ve loved what they’ve offered so far. Our recent review of the V-MODA REMIX gained the company another Top Pick award just like their original Crossfade Wireless headphones did. Now, we’re taking a look at the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless and the TL;DR is pretty much this: these are a worthy upgrade from their predecessor. Read on for the full review of the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones and see why the 2nd generation have also taken a Techaeris Top Pick award.

Specifications

The V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones have the following features and specifications:

  • Type: Over-Ear Circumaural Bluetooth
  • Drivers: 50mm Dual-Diaphragm (patent pending)
  • Frequency Response Wired: 5 – 40,000Hz
  • Headphone Sensitivity: 100 dB @ 1kHz 1mW
  • Microphone Sensitivity: -42dB @ 1kHz
  • Impedance: 32 Ω
  • Weight: 309g (with standard aluminum shields)
  • Battery Capacity: 430mAh (up to 14+ hours music playback)
  • Cable: 1-Button Reinforced SpeakEasy™ Microphone 3.5mm cable
V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless
Some of what’s in the box.

What’s In The Box

Design

V-MODA design is one of the best things about any of V-MODA’s products, from the REMIX to these V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones, design is a key element. A combination of materials are used on the Crossfade 2 headphones from high-quality plastics to premium metals. Nothing feels cheap on these headphones and you can tell the company has taken care to choose the best materials at its disposal. V-MODA also continues to offer their customization option that allows you to bring your headphones to the next level. The service is nice for those who want to add that little bit extra to their headphones but it can get pricey.

The V-MODA Crossfade 2 headphones aren’t a huge departure from the original Crossfades. They still have the same basic look and design with some added comforts and features. Keeping pretty much the same outer earcup design allows you to reuse any custom shields you may have purchased for your original Crossfade headphones. The original Crossfade headphones lacked the ability to fold down and take up a smaller footprint in your bag. V-MODA fixed that by making these babies foldable to a nice compact size.

V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless
V-MODA branding is all over but surprisingly not obnoxious.

The earpads on the new Crossfade headphones have also improved by miles, while the first pair of Crossfades were comfy, these are ten times better. The headband is also still very cushy feeling, leaving no sign of fatigue to my head after long use. The whole frame has this sturdy metal build and the hinges look to have a solid build to withstand a lot of folding and unfolding.

On the left earcup, you will find the Micro-USB port for charging, however, I do wish V-MODA would have used USB-C like they did on the REMIX. Over on the right earcup, you’ll find the AUX port and the volume up/down and track fwd/back button along with the multifunction button. The covers on the earcups are customizable and removable so you can order whatever you like from V-MODA to make these headphones fit your style.

The attention to detail extends to the hard shell case included with these headphones. The zippers are shaped like a V to symbolize the V-MODA branding and each side has a removable V-PORT vent. These vents are handy to allow air to circulate through the case to dry off your headphones after a workout or after you’ve been sweating with them on. Overall the folks at V-MODA just make some really classy audio gear and while the  V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless haven’t changed much from the 1st gen, there’s little reason to change an already amazing looking design.

Ease of Use

Bluetooth and NFC connectivity are the order of the day here and if you’ve used either one, then this is as simple as it gets. I’m fairly certain most of the people who are reading this have operated a Bluetooth or NFC device in the past and shouldn’t have an issue. If you do need some explanation, V-MODA’s quick start guide does an excellent job of explaining pairing in full detail.

Sound

Two words, deep bass. If you’re a bass fan, the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless are not going to disappoint. The mids and highs do get a little bit overpowered by the bass here, it’s not awful, but it is different and maybe not everyone’s cup of tea. Using an EQ on Android or the iPhone’s built-in EQ can help even things out a little but that bass is most certainly front and center. This is a bit of a departure from the first generation as I felt those were a bit more balanced.

V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless
Ear pads are super comfy and better than the previous generation.

Still, the sound is amazing. While the low-end is driven a bit more than the originals, I didn’t find it obnoxious but certain music styles do benefit from the bass end of the sound signature here. Compared to the first generation, these sound equally great and should make those who love the low-end happier than the originals. If you’re really not into a deeper low-end and prefer either a flat EQ or balanced EQ, then these may not be your bag. As I said previously, you could get an EQ app on Android or use the built-in EQ on iOS to mitigate some of that.

Reception/Call Quality

Bluetooth reception meets industry standards and norms so expect these to perform just as well as any other high-quality Bluetooth device. Call quality is great, though I truly detest using headphones as a phone call device.

Battery Life

V-MODA advertises 14+ hours of battery life here and I was able to squeeze 15-hours of juice with these on Bluetooth at 60% volume. This battery life is better than the previous generation so that is a plus here.

V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless
Quality hinges.

Price/Value

With an MSRP of $330USD, this really isn’t an outrageous asking price for these headphones. It’s competitive, and in some cases, a better price than some of the competition for the sound and craftsmanship you get here. I think these provide great value for the price and they even include a very premium hard shell case which doesn’t come with other high-end brands.

Wrap Up

The honest truth is, there are a ton of really spectacular headphones on the market, the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless just happen to be one of them. These headphones are a little more bass heavy than some of the others I’ve reviewed and I think bass-lovers will really enjoy that. The price (if you don’t go nuts customizing) is also very competitive and there’s a ton of value here from the hardshell case to the premium cables included with the headphones. One more note, in the photos the headphones are folded incorrectly, the earpads should be touching when folded.

*We were sent a review sample of the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless for the purposes of this review.
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