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Fashion and form shine in V-Moda’s Crossfade Wireless cans

Ryan Waniata
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In most aspects of life, “everybody else is doing it” doesn’t make for a very good creed to follow. However, when applied to the competitive new world of wireless headphones, it’s a fact that has to be reckoned with. That’s why it’s no surprise that V-Moda — a company that makes headphones as stylish as they are durable — has gone wireless. And while we’ve heard this tune far too often as of late, V-Moda’s gorgeous new Crossfade Wireless have us just a bit giddy.

Like so many manufacturers, from Sennheiser to Beats, V-Moda’s new wireless headphones look almost exactly like their hardwired predecessor, the V-Moda M100, only without the strings. That’s especially attractive when applied to V-Moda design — just look at these cans. However, style (and marketing hype) aside, it’s clear that V-Moda has done more to craft this new offering than simply jamming a Bluetooth chip into the company’s flagship headphones.

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As we’ve come to expect, V-Moda appears to be just as focused on functionality and performance as it is on style and convenience here.

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Related: Parrot’s futuristic Zik 3 cans work wirelessly with Apple Watch

Touting “uncompromised hybrid listening options,” V-Moda’s Crossfade Wireless attempt to close the wide gap commonly found between the sound of an amplified wireless signal, and a hardwired headphone connection. To that end, the Crossfade Wireless sport a CSR BlueCore Chipset for wireless connection, claimed to offer the “perfect balance of unequalized hi-fi sound, and power consumption,” in order to create what the team calls “virtually identical analog and wireless playback.”

That’s exciting, as the Crossfade Wireless offer a “refined version” of the same 50mm drivers that made the company’s M100 an unexpected critical darling, known for rich and powerful bass alongside a clear and balanced upper register. In addition, the new headphones claim to offer less latency than traditional wireless models, as well as avoiding a “powered EQ,” so as not to reshape the sound when the cans are fired up. Perhaps most impressive, the new Crossfade Wireless forego the usual $100 surcharge most manufacturers charge for wireless convenience, offered for a $299 MSRP.

By the numbers, the headphones offer an impressive claimed frequency response of 5Hz-30kHz, 12 hours of wireless runtime per charge (good, not great), and a total weight of 292 grams. Like the M100, the cans are heavily armored and boast V-Moda’s nearly-unbreakable SteelFlex headband, memory foam earpads, and compact Exoskeleton carrying case for easy packing. Those who order through V-Moda’s website — at $1 more than the $299 retail MSRP — will also get a second pair of 3D-printed shields to change up the style on the earcups.

The Crossfade Wireless are available now in Phantom Chrome and White Silver, with Gunmetal Black and Rouge colors soon to follow.

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