Skip to main content

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

vmoda crossfade wireless headphones phantom chrome anvil web manual
Image used with permission by copyright holder
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.

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.

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.

Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is an audio engineer, musician, composer, and all-around lover of all things tech, audio, and cinema. Hailing…
The best Stephen King movies made from Stephen King books (and where to watch them)
If you're scared of clowns or haunted cars, this isn't the list for you

 

The only thing more thrilling than a Stephen King book is a film adapted from one of his novels. The long-time author is one of the most successful writers of his generation, and his spooky, cinematic settings have served as inspiration for some of Hollywood's most esteemed creatives. The best Stephen King movies often use the source material as a basis for the film, and then the directors put their own twist on the story to pull the audience in even more. From Stanley Kubrick to Rob Reiner, famous filmmakers have operated within their own framework to turn otherwise forgotten Stephen King books into some of the most beloved of the last 40 years. These are the best Stephen King movies made from the best Stephen King books. These pictures range from coming-of-age stories to horrifying science fiction classics.

Read more
Brand Profile: How Dr. Squatch went from a viral social media startup to men’s grooming sensation
How Dr Squatch grew from startup to behemoth
Dr. Squatch bundle

"Most guys don't think about what bar of soap they use when they are washing their body. Let's face it, they're probably still using the soap your mommy bought for her little man. Is that what you want? To smell like mommy's little man?"

The opening of many of the advertisements from Dr. Squatch feels less like a commercial and more like a skit that you would actually stay and pay attention to. It reminds us of 20 years ago when Geico introduced the cavemen and kept us watching commercials instead of taking the opportunity to go to the bathroom. It is a soap made for men, according to them, "men who build things, men who open the pickle jar on the first try, and men who catch foul balls without spilling their beer."

Read more
Laundry Sauce will make you want to ditch your old detergent forever [Sponsored]
Laundry Sauce's luxury scented add-ins will spruce up laundry and leave your clothes smelling divine.
Laundry Sauce detergent pods for divine-scented laundry.

Most laundry detergents come in the same boring scents, the same uninspired packaging, and the same goopy, unpleasant format – seriously, what do they put in these bottles? Take a quick stroll down any detergent aisle, and you’ll see and smell a spring breeze, crisp linen, or intense fresh, whatever that means. They use a lot of the same aromas and just slap different names on the labels, too. Sure, doing laundry is a necessity, but surely there’s a way to make it more fun. There must be something better than an “intense” or “crisp” aroma.

Laundry Sauce is changing the game with its luxury-scented laundry pods. Thanks to a collaboration with world-class perfumers and scent artists – hey, that’s what they call them, not me – Laundry Sauce’s high-performance pods are infused with sophisticated scents. These ultra-concentrated pods transform any laundry day into a sensual experience with scents like Australian Sandalwood and Egyptian Rose.

Read more