V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Headphones Review

V-MODA has a unique and sleek headphone design that permeates through their entire lineup. All their headphones look pretty much the same, with slight changes that won't be noticeable at first glance. The V-MODA Crossfade II Wireless bring back the foldable frame of the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 and also have thicker pads around the ear cups that make them look and feel a bit more premium. They come in a couple of different color schemes, and you can also customize the back plates of the ear cups through the V-MODA website. These headphones will stand out in a crowd even if you choose the less flashy matte black color scheme.

The padding on the V-MODA Crossfade 2 is a lot better than on the previous iterations. This makes them slightly more comfortable, and although they're as tight as the V-MODA Crossfade M-100, the pressure is more evenly distributed thanks to the thicker pads. However, the size of the ear cups might not be ideal for all listeners as the thicker padding also creates a narrower opening than on previous models.

The control scheme for the V-MODA Crossfade II provides all the essential functions: call/music, track-skipping, and volume controls. The buttons also deliver above-average tactile feedback when pressed. Unfortunately, the layout of the control scheme is not the best. The buttons are on the top of the right ear cup which takes a bit of getting used to and doesn't feel as ergonomic as other wireless headphones.

Unlike the original V-MODA Crossfade Wireless, the 2nd iteration brings back the CliqFold hinges that were on the V-MODA Crossfade M-100. This makes the headphones decently portable as they fold into a more compact format that may fit in larger jacket pockets. However, despite the foldable design, they're still fairly large over-ear headphones, so you will most likely have to carry them in your bag rather than on your person.

These headphones come with a hard case similar to the crossfade m-100. It's a tough, hard case that protects the headphones against drops, impacts, water damage, scratches, and scuffs. It also doesn't add much bulk since the case is designed for the more compact CliqFold frame of the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless, unlike the previous wireless model.

The build quality of the V-MODA lineup is great, and the V-MODA Crossfade II Wireless are no exception. The materials used feel premium, especially for the improved padding on the ear cups. They have a strong and flexible metal frame that reinforces the headband, and the ear cups are dense and won't easily be damaged by an accidental drop. However, the return of the folding mechanism adds a bit more weak points like the M-100, and the exposed wire could get caught in the hinges and may also wear and tear over time.

The V-MODA Crossfade II Wireless are a bit less stable than the V-MODA Crossfade M-100, but they have a wireless design that will prevent the headphones from getting yanked off your head because the audio cable got hooked on something. However, since the ear cups are thicker and stick out more than on the M-100, they sway a little when running or exercising. They won't fall easily but may slide off your ears under high-intensity activities or workout routines.

• V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones
• Carrying case
• 1/4" to 1/8" adapter
• Audio cable
• USB cable
• Manual

These headphones have average frequency response consistency. The bass range is prone to inconsistencies depending on the head shape/size, and positioning preferences of the user. Our measurements show a maximum variance of 6dB in the bass range which is significant and noticeable. They, however, perform more consistently in the treble range and show about 3dB of variance up to 10KHz, which is good.

These headphones have decent bass range performance. The overall response is relatively flat. However, it's consistently overemphasized by about 4dB. This makes the sound of these headphones noticeably bass-heavy.

These headphones have excellent mid-range performance. The response is consistent, flat, and virtually flawless in the mid-range.

These headphones have poor treble range performance. The low treble is flat and consistent up to 4KHz. The dip in treble, surrounding 6KHz has a noticeable negative effect on the detail and articulation of vocals and lead instruments. At 10KHz, the right channel shows a 10dB peak which could make these headphones sibilant and sharp, but since it's happening only in one ear, it may not be intended and could be the result of driver mismatch.

They have poor isolation. These headphones don't have active noise cancelling, and their passive isolation doesn't isolate below 500Hz. In the mid-range, they achieve about 7dB of reduction, which is below average, and in the treble range, they achieve about 27dB of reduction, which is decent.

These headphones have decent leakage performance. A significant portion of the leakage sits between 400Hz and 10KHz, which is a broad range. However, the overall level of leakage is quite low. Therefore, the sound leaking out of these headphones will be relatively full-sounding and mid-rangy but quiet.

The V-MODA Crossfade II have a somewhat average battery life of 11.2 hours. It feels relatively short compared to other wireless over-ear headphones, especially since they don't even have noise cancelling, but it should be enough to get you through the day. For more than twice the battery life, the V-MODA Crossfade 3 Wireless retain virtually the same look with much better battery efficiency. Unfortunately, they don't have an auto-off timer, and you can't use them while they are charging, but on the upside, they charge relatively fast and have complete passive playback with no major sound differences in their sound quality.

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