V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Rose Gold

Let’s take a closer look at the best all around headphone, in my opinion, in the V-MODA stable. I am especially curious to hear the first headphone release since Roland has owned a major stake in V-MODA. I introduce you to the V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless.To me, the name of the product, Crossfade 2 Wireless holds the key to this new offering from V-MODA. They are called the Crossfade 2 Wireless and not the Crossfade Wireless 2. In my opinion the company was trying to produce an excellent wired headphone with the addition of Bluetooth instead of vice versa. To my ears this is one of the first Bluetooth wireless headphones that sound almost equal wired vs.wireless, great job for a Bluetooth headphone.The exoskeleton case is the usual V-MODA fare. Inside they provide strapping for cable storage and the headphones fold to create a small footprint and fit just perfectly in the case. One thing I thought was nice about this case is that there are vents to allow air into the case to assist in drying from sweating, particularly nice for DJ's and workout buffs. There is also a Carbiner clip attached to the case, another nice touch.The styling hasn’t changed much from some of the previous V-MODA styles and these are very distinctly V-MODA. All of the usual customization's are available as well through the V-MODA site including the 3D printed shields. I want to add that owning a “Rose Gold” color did not appeal to me at first. Once I saw them, my opinion changed as it would be what I would describe as a deep copper color. I really like it. They also have the CliqFold hinge of the models past to create a small footprint for storage.The build quality of the headphones and the cables are very good and sturdy and as usual the V-MODA’s are built like a tank. They are a touch heavy at 309g and also sit a bit heavy on the head. Included is a micro VAMP that functions when the headphone is in wireless mode. I am certain that ads a bit to the weight. Let me say that these are a very comfortable headphone, weight aside. The headband comfort has benefited from the five years of comfort research as well as the earpads being exceptionally conforming and comfortable. I easily wear them for my one hour walk in the morning and never feel the need to adjust them.These are not ANC headphones so aside from the isolation inherent in the headphone there is not active noise cancelling to create an artificial buffer. The buffer against outside noise is created by the more than adequate isolation and the solid bass when listening to music. To some it might have been a nice addition but if active noise cancelling is not done right it can change the sound signature of the headphone. The positive here is there is nothing to negatively alter the impressive sound signature. These are Certified Hi-Res Audio (wired mode) but we are seeing that designation more and more.They say you can expect 14+ hours of battery life. I am not seeing that quite that long, but I do utilize the volume on highest setting and use my cellphone or source to control the listening volume. I also play a lot of FLAC files when utilizing my Opus #2. If you are using the V-MODA REMIX, it is fully compatible with their, VAMP, internal amp in the REMIX.I want to address the buttons on the headphones that control the Volume UP, Volume DOWN and Multi - Function button for pausing, answering calls etc. I am in favor of actual push buttons as opposed to touch controls on an earcup as I have found touch controls to be a little inconsistent. However, I am not a big fan of the feel or placement of these buttons. I find them a little difficult to push and to know which button you are pushing when you are feeling blindly above the earcup, with more Bluetooth listening time I am sure I could get used to the function.With regard to the Bluetooth functionality, these paired easily with everything I attempted to pair them with. The Bluetooth functions phenomenally and I have found I can go the 30ft. as advertised without a drop. In fact I cannot recall any drop outs or disruption in sound when using them wirelessly. I have found when talking on the phone while using the Bluetooth, along with the built-in mic, people say they are noisy. Traffic or wind makes it frustrating for the other party. However, with the enclosed cable they are fine for conversation.The overall basic first listen to the CF2W (CF2W for short, because I am tired as hell writing it out), is warm, and has a bass tilt as well, very reminiscent of their house sound. It is with time that you start to realize the nuances between these and other V-MODA offerings. They do have that V-MODA signature house bass, and that is okay, because as you listen the more you realize there is also a refined treble and midrange that is aptly apparent. As mentioned, the M-100 model the bass is so strong and overpowering that it bleeds into the lower midrange and then some. I am not being overly critical I am merely saying the M-100 have a place in fun music listening or if you are DJ, but not the best for detailed, critical listening. The CF2W is the most balanced offering yet from V-MODA. The bass is sculpted differently than in other models and provides bass detail and solid warmth and does not impede the other frequencies. I use these a lot outdoors and the bass is perfect to cover outside noise.The midrange on CF2W are a little more forward than on previous V-MODA’s and the treble is ever present. The treble is never sharp or harsh and it has great tone and quality. Combine the treble with a more forward upper midrange the overall sensation is that of balance and detail. Given the fact that there is just a slight difference in extension between wired and wireless feel free to cut the cord without loss of sound quality. I do not want to only compare these to prior V-MODA's, but in general these are an enjoyable listen and best so many other offerings available in the same price range.In closing, I was pleasantly surprised with the CF2W. I had been a loyal Sennheiser Momentum 2 wireless guy since their release, recall and re-release. I never really cared to venture into the wireless realm with any seriousness. I will say that the CF2W has changed that and I have a new daily go to for my wireless listening.

Sources: iPhone7-plus, iPod Touch, iPad Pro Mini, Macbook 12-inch, AudioQuest DragonFly Red.Review note: All comments below apply to the Rose Gold edition with the aptX codec as well as the matte white edition, unless otherwise noted.The V-MODA Crossfade II Wireless ('Wireless2' hereafter) inherits its sound from the M100 and Wireless1, as well as much of its physical design. I'll get right to the sound: The bass is not as strong as the M100 or Wireless1, but it's definitely stronger than the bass on so-called "neutral" headphones like the Sennheiser HD600 or HD800. I read quite a few reviews of the Wireless2, and those reviews have the bass as anywhere from near-neutral to "about the same" as the Wireless1, or M100. My estimate after doing some comparisons is that the difference is about 3 db, but keep in mind that the shape of the bass response and the quality and detail are different from the Wireless1/M100. I estimated that the bass emphasis on those was centered around 110 hz, whereas with the Wireless2 it's lower, perhaps 90 hz. Since the emphasis (to whatever extent) is centered lower and slightly less strong above that, you will notice the greater impact and detail. And it's mighty good.A note about bass response and listening environments: When I walk outdoors and wear these headphones, I appreciate a strong bass, because it doesn't actually sound that strong, no doubt because of traffic and other low-frequency noise in the city. Back at the house I might turn it down a little, but that depends on the music I'm listening to. Again, the change in impact and detail from the prior Wireless1/M100 headphones is all on the plus side, and I expect that most users will love it if they get the chance to experience it. The midrange isn't something I can say much if anything about, because it's uncolored and clean. There is a small difference there, or in the treble as well, between the Rose Gold edition of the Wireless2 and the other editions, since the Rose Gold edition has the "Qualcomm aptX" Bluetooth codec, while the others are standard Bluetooth (whatever that entails).About that difference, as it relates to the actual sound: What I've found is that the aptX codec is a little smoother with slightly more spaciousness. Most people would pick that up only on a direct comparison, but my feeling is if you have any music tracks that are just barely making it for minor irritations in the sound, the difference in codecs could push the acceptability one way or the other. That's a critical listening evaluation however, and wouldn't really apply in portable/outdoor listening, most coffee shops etc., where the noise floor is greater than those differences. The Wireless2's isolation is moderate - useful for music listening in most outdoor situations, but in very noisy places you might find that fine details in the music would be obscured by the ambient background noise. The leakage is very low, and people sitting close by won't hear anything unless the environment is dead quiet (library, quiet office) and you're playing music at audiophile volume levels.My impression of the Wireless2's treble is that it's fairly polite - even a tad shy in some cases, but that depends on how and where you play it. As I alluded to above, outdoors there is enough bass absorption that the treble seems very well balanced, but indoors where it's quiet the bass will be more prominent and the treble will seem softer, although not recessed as is the case with quite a few pricy headphones. I'm being as picky as possible here, but judging from the huge popularity of the M100, the Wireless2 is going to get even more love than the M100 and Wireless1.To check out the wireless (Bluetooth) capability, I paired it with my iPhone 7-plus, and placed the phone at one end of my apartment. I walked into several other rooms including laundry and bath rooms, closets, A/C enclosures etc., up to 35 feet from the phone, and the signal was always clean and perfect. I've used a few other wireless headphones, and most were 100 percent in that regard, so I wouldn't expect any surprises with the Wireless2. I haven't found that where I am with the headphone makes any difference, unless such a difference (interference etc.) were caused by my cellphone attempting to something that I'm unaware of. I don't hear a significant difference in the sound between wireless and wired modes, but if getting the very best sound is important, wired use with a good DAC and headphone amp would be the way to go. I use the DragonFly Red for those occasions. Bottom line on the sound: The king of headphones just got a lot better.My Wireless2's have the standard shields (earcup side-plates) on them, but I added 3D metal shields to my M100, and that customization is also available for the Wireless2. The mil-spec build of the M100 plus its 'Cliqfold' hinges are standard for the Wireless2. Other differences are: There's one input for wired use on the bottom of the right earcup, and one input for charging on the bottom of the left earcup. There's an on/off switch toward the bottom of the right earcup, and volume and start/stop buttons at the top of the right earcup. These controls are easy to manipulate, but they blend in so well that they don't distract from the overall aesthetics. The earpads are slightly different from the M100's standard earpads, but not a significant difference for me. They are very soft and squishy, and are a snug fit around my average-size ears. Reviewers have had very different opinions on the fit and comfort, but I don't feel much difference from the M100 other than a softer fit.A zippered hard-shell carrycase is included for when you don't want to wear it around your neck. I don't use the case unless I'm traveling, because it's much more convenient to carry it around my neck when not listening. The headband's range of adjustment is slightly more than 1/2 inch larger and 1/2 inch smaller on each side compared to where I use it on my average-size head. In previous reviews I've included music examples with comments about how the headphones sound with each track. My suggestion is instead of reading each one as an absolute unto itself, you could compare my notes here to other reviews and see how the Wireless2 compares to other headphones with each track. Note that the Wireless2 was evaluated above and below without tone controls or equalization.Above & Beyond - We're All We Need (feat. Zoe Johnston): A very nice tight but impactful bass with crystal clear vocals - the Wireless2 plays this with great ambiance.Anamanaguchi - Planet: A complex mix of percussion sounds and hummed vocals. The bells and other high-frequency percussion are highly detailed, the bass line has good impact, and the bass detail is surprisingly good.Armin van Buuren - J'ai Envie de Toi (Orig Mix feat Gaia): Decent bass impacts, breathy vocals, lots of fun noise - the Wireless2 plays this perfectly.Avicii - Feeling Good: Classic female vocal in movie-theme style - the Wireless2 brings this to life like nothing else I've heard.Carl Kennedy-Tommy Trash ft Rosie Henshaw - Blackwater (Original Master): Nice strong tight bass impacts, female vocal, rendered delectably by the Wireless2.Crystal Castles - Wrath of God: Atmospheric tune with vocal sound effects and strong bass line, plus some unique treble percussion sounds. The Wireless2 brings these unique sounds to life.Digitalism - Pogo: A driving beat with a detailed bass synth and great vocals ("There's something in the air...") - the Wireless2 makes this very enjoyable.Dino Lenny-Lino Di Meglio - We Will Make It: Atmospheric tune with mixed vocals - the female vocal is a special treat with the Wireless2.DJ Shadow - Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt: High-pitched tones and strong deep piano chords with a hummed female vocal - ultra-cool with the Wireless2.Fairmont - Poble Sec: Awesome detailed bass impacts with some nifty pingy guitar/synth effects. I discovered this tune at the time I purchased my 3rd M100 - the Wireless2 makes this even better.Giuseppe Ottaviani - Lost for Words (On Air Mix feat Amba Shepherd): Strong bass impacts behind a female voice - a large-scale sweeping sonic image reminiscent of epic adventures in an exotic land. The Wireless2 is playing on a whole new level here.Hecq - Enceladus (With Skyence): Prodigious deep bass and clean at that. This tune's melody is more abstract than most of the others here, but the Wireless2 makes it a real adventure.Katy B - Crying For No Reason (Tom Shorterz Remix): Oh myyyyy, I love Katy B. The vocal mix here is awesome and the bass is solid. This is the Wireless2 at its best.Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch: I first heard this in The September Issue film and soundtrack, as the backdrop for the opening catwalk (watch Andre grinning at 1:51 - all you need to know) - the Wireless2 plays this amazing tune perfectly.Lee and Malinda - Truth Will Set You Free (V-Moda Mix): Lee Kalt is the master, this is the masterpiece. The drum (or tom-tom) hits here have a very realistic skin-tone, the female vocal is seamlessly integrated into the driving beat, and the synth effects also blend well - the Wireless2 just owns this.Markus Schulz - Mainstage: The granddaddy of bass is in this track, and the Wireless2 plays it smooth and clean.