V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition with Qualcomm Aptx
V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition with Qualcomm Aptx And Aac – Rose Gold, One Size
Travel
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | On-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear Bluetooth | Over-Ear Bluetooth | Over-Ear Bluetooth |
| Driver | M-Class Dual Diaphragm 40mm | LP2 Dual Diaphragm 50mm | M-100 Dual Diaphragm 50mm | Refined M-100 Dual Diaphragm 50mm | Crossfade 2 Dual Diaphragm 50mm ft. CCAW Japanese coil | Crossfade 2 Dual Diaphragm 50mm ft. CCAW Japanese coil |
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Qualcomm aptX | Rose Gold Only | ✓ | ||||
| Advanced Audio Codex (AAC) | ✓ | |||||
| Passive Noise Isolation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exoskeleton Carry Case | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CliqFold | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Durable, Reinforced Cables | 1-Button SpeakEasy Mic Cable | 1-Button SpeakEasy Mic Cable + Extended Audio Cable | 1-Button SpeakEasy Mic Cable + SharePlay Audio Cable | 1-Button SpeakEasy Mic Cable | 1-Button SpeakEasy Mic Cable | 1-Button SpeakEasy Mic Cable |
| Weight: | 318 g |
| Size: | One Size |
| Dimensions: | 8.38 x 14.73 x 19.56 cm; 317.51 Grams |
| Model: | XFBT2A-RGOLDB |
| Colour: | Rose Gold |
| Batteries Included: | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacture: | Roland |
| Dimensions: | 8.38 x 14.73 x 19.56 cm; 317.51 Grams |
| Size: | One Size |
Quite heavy on the bass, Very heavy on the durability
I went through 4 cables, before I went through a single problem with the headset itself.
It’s a little too heavy on the bass for me, as is reflected on the frequency response graphs, but it doesn’t sound muddy, and the high end is relatively clear considering. blocks sound VERY well, considering it’s purely passive.
Cups are a little small, so make sure that you don’t have very large ears if you want a 10/10 experience.
bluetooth and cable connections are both very good, though, if you only have the right ear on in bluetooth, clear dust from the 3.5mm jack, and cycle the cable a few times, makes it work again.
Reason for 4/5 stars: They get warm in the summer. Very warm. Would strongly recommend use in winter, less so in summer. Audio quality is the rest of it. good, but not great. you pay for bass and durability, here.
Una belleza!!!
Son muy buenos estos auriculares, lo nico extra es comprar las almohadillas XXL porque las que vienen por defecto no son cmodas, creo que para personas que tengas orejas pequeas les va estupendo. De resto el producto es perfecto, el sonido es de una excelente calidad y los materiales con los que est hecho el producto son resistentes y dan una comodidad espectacular y no pesa para nada el producto.
Excelentes audífonos!
Quality produc
Simply put this set of headphones just does everything, good design, good sound quality, good sound balance and good options for both wireless and wired listening.
But it is expensive and there are other comparable headphones on the market, be wise and shop smart. These headphones might suit me but they might not suit you.
Geniales!
Me llegaron antes de tiempo, estn super padres y en sonido WOW.
Es el mejor sonido que he escuchado hasta este momento, tanto por bluetooth como por cable.
Disfruto mucho de la musica electronica, pero tambien disfruto de musica clasica y musica regional de mexico, por lo cual he tenido varios audfonos que me permitan tener el punch de un buen bajo y a su vez me permita disfrutar de todos los instrumentos y voz de una buena balada acompaada de un mariachi.
He probado con los AudioTechnica Solid Bass WS-1100 y Sony WH1000XM4, y ninguno me haba dejado tan asombrado a la primera escucha, tiene una claridad en los agudos y medios, que me permiten apreciar mas a detalle una trompeta y la voz, sin olvidar el bajo, el bajo da una pegada fuerte profunda, algo que solo haba escuchado en unos skull candy crushers, pero sin apagar los demas sonidos. De igual foma tienen una buena construccin del escenario lo cual da un poco mas de inmersin y sonido 360, algo de los que sufren los Sony.
De materiales se ve solido y bien construido, viene incluido todo lo mencionado en la publicacin, y todos sus accesorios lucen de buena calidad.
Lo malo, no son tan cmodos como mucha gente dice, en comparacin con los Sony WH1000XM4, son mas pesados, sus amohadillas son muy pequeas son over-ear, como que no cubren totalmente mi oreja, ademas de que no son tan profundas por lo que mi oreja toca la parte interior, los primeros dias no los aguantaba ni 1 hora, de tanto que me presionaban la cabeza mas aparte de como me incomodaban las orejas. Vi varios foros donde se quejan de lo mismo, y donde mencionan que es casi compra obligatoria el adquirir las Almohadillas XL asi que sumen las a su poresupuesto.
FInalmente tuve que comprar aparte las Almohadillas XL originales que cuestan otros $500, esto si ayud bastante y ahora ya no me molestan para nada las orejas y los llevo puestos durante jornadas de mas de 4 horas sin problemas.
Otras cosa que no me gusta es que tiene botnones fisicos y se carga con cable Micro USB, por este rango de precios esperarias comandos touch y USB C, como los sony o bose, que incluso incluyen Cancelacin de Ruido Activa, aun que los v moda si aslan bastante bien de forma pasiva.
En conclusion, valen la pena?, si totalmente, la experiencia y la calidad que tienen en el sonido es inigualable, pero si decepciona un poco que por este precio tenga tantas carencias en funcionalidades contra los competidores directos.
PD: He visto mucha gente que no sabe si decidir entre estos y los sony, yo podria decirte que los VModa los tengo para disfrutar de musica en casa con un buen AMP, pero igual disfruto mucho de usarlos inalambricamente. Pero, para salir de viaje, salir a caminar y para el trabajo prefiero los sony, son mas portables, no pesan tanto, la cancelacin de ruido ayuda mucho, sus controles touch son mas faciles y rapidas de usar (con los vmoda tiene que atinarle a los botones correctos) lo cual es muy util para poner rapidamente la musica en pausa, o poner el sonido ambiental por si quieres escuchar el exterior o activar la cancelacin activa de ruido, tambien los sony detectan cuando hablas con alguien y pausan la musica o si te los quitas tambien se pausa la musica automticamente y se vuelve a poner play automaticamente cuando te los pones de nuevo..
VMODA si eres apasionado de la musica, DJ o un audiofilo que quiere un sonido mas divertido, y si disfrutas de tu musica en casa y sales ocasionalmente con audfonos.
Sony si eres de los que va en trasporte pblico, vas al trabajo, a gym, despus a cenar, viajas mucho etc, es mejor que cargues con los Sony que son mas portables, ademas no tienen un mal sonido y tambien se disfrutan bastante.
Stunning sound, light to have o
Amazing set of headphones, light comfy and the sound is amazing, balanced crisp clean and clear. Base is perfect, definitely worth the money, the only down side is the rest of the family want a set now!
Sturdy and reliable headphones
I was after a sturdy pair of Bluetooth headphones and after a few months I was not disappointed. I gave it 4 stars because:
1)The sound quality is good but not the best. I find the minimum sound level to be higher then I hoped, with the good sound insulation I was hoping to be able to have a lower in ear sound.
2) they came without clear instructions and although most commands are intuitive there are a few things I had to research online to figure out. Shame as the packaging is awesome.
3)Being very sturdy they are also quite heavy to keep using for long hours especially as I wear glasses.
I would still recommend this pair as it fits my lifestyle plus they look good.
Durability
I purchased this headphones simply because I needed something stronger and long lasting given that I have accidentally broken at least four of the regular ones between mid 2020 to now.
I totally love these headphones! They are strong, classy, the casing is impressive and most importantly they are just right regarding the purchase objective. So now I’m a super Mom with fantastic looking headphones that my kids nor I could break and I could work smoothly as well as enjoy the luxury of leisure listening after hours.
The Short Version: Buy it, you absolutely will not regret this purchase. Good bass, great sound, and honestly: they’re one of the few headphones id say qualify as “Stylish”. The battery lasts me all day without needing to recharge, thanks to the 3.5mm cable, and Wireless Sound Quality is fantastic. For folks with a larger heads, such as myself, I’d STRONGLY suggest picking up the $20 XL Cushions. They may not seem like much but they make a WORLD of a difference. Also, customized side plates can be bought from VMota directly, if thats your thing, and swapped out with a few screw turns.
The Long Version:
I’ve had these headphones for several months now, trying them out for an extended amount of time before hosting this review. I am hard on my headphones, so I did a great deal of research before I pulled the trigger on any product. Ultimately, I settled on the VMota Crossfade IIs as a Daily Driver.
A bit of backround: I am a Basshead, I typically rock Sony MDR-XB1000’s which qualify as Bass Canons for those who arent aware of them. I run these things through a DAC and Amp and set off the spidey sense of every Audiologist in a 30 mile radius in the process while listening to EDM, Rock, and whatever else I fancy that day whilst working on the computer.
That said, I needed something portable. Phones these days are ditching the headphone jack and it doesnt look like its gonna stop, plus I need something for when I’m travelling with my laptop and cable clutter is a big negative in those circumstances, which was a problem I had going to florida with the family last year before the pandemic started.
The criteria I had in mind was:
– Durable, they will be accidentally dropped
– Can be folded up/compacted and Light
– Good bass with great sound, WITHOUT any extra gear (straight from the phone or laptop)
– Comfort
As far as the criteria are rated:
Durability: 10/10
Built like a tank, nothing more needs to be said. Ive dropped these things left right and center, the cat has knocked them off my desk, and I will shamefully admit to having walked into a closed door with them on whilst looking at my phone, they survived and stayed on my head to boot.
Compactness: 7/10
They fold up small and all that, not as small as some pairs, in fact my biggest gripe is they’re actually kinda wide as the cups dont fold flat. Making them a little annoying to shove in my computer bag. However, they come with a hard case they fit snugly into and I just hooked it off the side od my bag. No problems at all.
Sound: 10/10
Words really cant convey sound, and admittedly you will need to have a listen for yourself. However, they have great audio. Mids and Highs are fantastic, bass is solid with a good thump. Furthermore, the added on Wired function isnt a stupid gimmick to appease people, you dont need a charged battery to use it and theres no silly “Bass Boost” features you lose out on by having it in wired mode. Its a viable use in both modes, so if you wanna use them as wired uou can.
Comfort: Depends, see below
For me, with the base cushions, these actually started to hurt my head a little after an hour or two. However, I have a BIG head. Most hats dont even fit me properly. So with the standard padding long term wear was uncomfortable, full on 3/10. With the XL Cushions though its a game changer. Long term wear without even discomfort, feels nice and my ears dont get smooshed against the inside of the headphones. For $20 its a massively worthwhile upgrade that brings it to a solid 8/10, though admittedly thats being compared to my desktop pair, which have the cushions the size of aircraft tires.
Other notes:
The packaging on these by the way is phenomenal, ive opened many “premium” products in my time but this is one of the first ones where I was geuinely blown away by mere packaging. I never really thought about how something so simple would leave a lasting impression but it just helps reassure you that what you bought was high quality when even the box it comes in was given a similar attention to quality and detail.
On further notes, you can actually buy some good looking side plates for these things on their website, Planning on picking up a pair myself when I finally make up my mind on what color I want.
Final conclusions:
These headphones are in a word: Awesome. I was genuinely concerned the price they commanded was over the top when I purchased them. Now, after having them for several months I can absolutely say that it was worth it in spades. Even if you’re not reaching for a model as top shelf as these in terms of price: I can say with confidence that V-Mota has sold me on their brand, and Id feel comfortable reccomending them to anyone looking for Headphones in the 100-400 price bracket. In the future I will ABSOLUTELY be adding more of their gear to my collection.
The material is good, and the touch feeling of the headset is very good; the sound range is very wide, and the audio from 5Hz to 40000 Hz can be played; the EQ adjustment of the headset is shown in the figure, and the bass part is not that heavy that the frequency band of sound generation is mainly about 20000hz and it’s suitable for the studio to use; the Bluetooth mode of the headset can give full play to the full performance of the headset, while the plug-in type (without consuming the headset battery) can not display the complete sound range; the battery’s endurance is good, it can last about 10 hours when it is fully charged. In sum, this product is recommended, while if there is an active noise reduction function, it can be the best. By the way, the serial codes of some products have not been entered into the official Vmoda database. In this case, you need to contact the Vmoda official by email to register your serial code.
you are too poor to buy these. If you aren't, you should.
These are the finest headphones you will ever buy. Play women singing nicely, like Katie melua or jasmine Thompson or Dubstep and these will always be the winner of any test.
These headphones are NOT waterproof. Either protect the 3 way power function pairing switch or have 1 set of v moda headphones and 3 that only work via a 3.5mm jack cable.
The only way to understand these headphones is to go and find the best pair of headphones you have experienced and then compare to this.
Product failings: the failure point on your headphones will be the switch.
Other failings: if the Bluetooth is disconnected it beeps at you. So you are in your office and it connects to your Samsung vl351 or vl350, when you leave your office it beeps at you continually. To warn and remind you that you are out of range . This was also present on v moda non aptx.
Eli5 if you use multiple Bluetooth technologies, disconnecting from any other source will cause these headphones to beep and br unusable. The warning that a bluetooth device has disconnected programming ruined the 2014 v moda headphones, ruined v moda 2 and persist today .
Workaround: Turn off and on headphones each time you disconnect a Bluetooth device. Have to reboot headphones every time I walk the dog. .
Overall: you will never find a pair of headphones that better v moda crossfade 2 aptx . It doesnt matter anyway, I have destroyed 5x v moda crossfade 2 by getting them wet, you cant afford 1x v moda crossfade
Okay first thing ignore the 4 star ratings this is 5 stars especially considering that when you click on 1,3,&4 review ratings nothing shows up and the only odd ONE geezer who rated it 2 stars should be ignored… all other ratings were 5 stars and authentic…
My Test
So I was strolling down west end London, and I came across a fancy audio store on the left corner of the street, it had prestigious looking headphones on display, I had the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 Mobile Headsets at the time, and that was after buying and returning many other brands, I’m a composer so crazy about finding the perfect sound emitting headphones, so I walked in to the store and though I was satisfied with the headsets I had I was curious as to if there was better out there… I tried everything they had and then fell upon V-Moda’s crossfade the first edition, I was COMPLETELY blown away, there was no need to cross reference with any other previous ones I had tried, no comparison or reason for it, it beat products that were double it’s price and over… so I returned the pair I had to Amazon and purchase the crossfade 2 right? Why not… I’ve had these over/around 3 years or more (note I’ve purchased 2) can’t remember, and they still Work like day one, the build remains and I might be crazy to say this but I think the sound improves every day… I think think we’ll find a rival, be warned if you like your music extra loud, the loudest you’ll get from any headset I know and still want clear clean sounds, get this top dog… the only thing is that it’s so loud when turned up to the max people in the next room would here every word uttered in the song if played in a quiet environment… it’s not so much bad insulation it’s bad ass sounds that penetrated because they are so sharp rather than just loud, if you know what I mean… nothing comes close… put everything else in the bin…seriously just fake a test anytime you see before you buy and come back and like this review because I gave you heaven on a plate…
Impresionantes!!!
Impresionantes auriculares de msica los mejores sin duda que calidad de sonido en modo bluetooth y por cable ya insuperables!!! . Magnfico diseo y sper cmodo. An no eh podido ver lo que no me gusta acabo de recibir .
Worth it!
The bluetooth sound quality exceeded all of my expectations. Lows, mids, and highs all sound clear and crisp. The headphones are very comfortable and durable. The price may be high but you absolutely get your money’s worth with this pair.
The build quality is second to none. The materials used feel great and should last for a very long time. The included cables are solid and work well. I really appreciate the hard carrying case that fits the headphones themselves as well as the charging cable and audio cable in case you run out of battery.
This is my second pair of V-Moda headphones and will not be my last. If you have a device that utilizes the aptX codec (not Apple) you are in for a great wireless listening experience (wired is good too).
le So
Je connais dj V-MODA et mon autre casque (de la mme marque) , fonctionne toujours trs bien , j’avais juste envie de me faire plaisir avec cette marque prcise et ce Modle.
High Quality headphones for the right price
These are not the best headphones out there. But try for under 300$ find a better pair of all rounder headphones.
The wireless is excellent quality; the range is above average, not beating some gaming headsets but you won’t notice this under normal circumstances (probably the result of the focus on audio quality imo).
The fit for the cushions is perfect for my head size (which is slightly larger than average) So if you have a large head, the clamping force may be an issue for you but all it was was an adjustment for me.
I’m very happy with these headphones and if you have the budget for these headphones, these are an amazing treat for the ears.
Great Headset overall
These are fantastic headphones! A little heavy on the bass, but the sound quality is superb! And they are super sexy, especially the Rose Gold model.
I would love to give them a 5 star review, but the 1/4″ pro adapter didn’t come with them, even though it’s suppose to. Outside of that one little detail, I would highly recommend these Headphones to anyone.
Great sound quality
I love these headphones work really well for gaming and jamming out to music
Ich bin schon lange auf der Suche nach einem Kopfhrer, der meinen Ansprchen gengt. Das heit im Klartext:
Er sollte hohen Tragekomfort bieten, ein sattes bzw. ausgewogenes Klangbild bieten und optisch ansprechen.
Da Musik meine Leidenschaft ist und ich auch DJ bin, habe ich schon etliche Kopfhrer von den unterschiedlichsten Anbietern in allen Preiskategorien ausprobiert. Jedoch konnte mich bisher keiner so ganz berzeugen. Dann wurde ich ber Internet und langer Recherche auf V-Moda aufmerksam. Auch das viele Knstler diese Marke tragen, spricht fr sich. Sofort bestellt ich mir die V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition. Nach nun 11 Wochen Testphase muss ich sagen: “DAS ist das BESTE, was ich jemals auf meinen Ohren hatte!” Egal welches Genre man hrt, alles klingt voll und abgerundet. Der Bass ist prsent und druckvoll, drhnt aber nicht!
Aussehen: Die V-Modas sind natrlich auch Geschmackssache. Mir gefllt die sechseckige Form jedoch sehr gut. Lobenswert hinzuzufgen ist, dass man diese Abdeckungen individuell gestalten kann und somit einzigartige Kopfhrer kreieren kann.
Tragekomfort: Hier war ich erst sehr skeptisch, da sie doch festen Halt bieten. Nach 1-2 Tagen sind sie jedoch perfekt eingetragen und knnen gut und gerne ber mehrere Stunden benutzt werden. Die Ohrpolster umschlieen mein Ohr komplett (hab aber allerdings auch sehr kleine Ohren).
Bedienung: Hier hat sich V-Moda wirklich viele Gedanken gemacht. Alles ist verstndlich in einem Beiblatt erklrt und nach den ersten Minuten in Gebrauch in Fleisch und Blut bergegangen. Ich finde es schn, dass alles ber die Kopfhrer steuerbar ist und man dazu nicht eine separate App bentigt.
Sound: Der fr mich (mit dem Tragekomfort) wichtigste Punkt. Auch hier sucht man in dieser Preiskategorie seines Gleichen. Wie oben schon erwhnt, gibt der Kopfhrer einen satten und detailreichen Sound wieder. Beim erstmaligem Aufsetzen musste ich staunen, was aus diesen Dingern rauskommt! Etwas Vergleichbares habe ich bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt noch nicht gehrt. Man taucht frmlich in eine andere Welt ein. Durch Qualcomm aptX und AAC haben die Songs CD Qualitt. Auch die Bedienung per Bluetooth ist denkbar einfach.
Fazit:
Ich kann die V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition jedem Musikliebhaber, Sportler, Reisenden, DJ, etc. wrmstens empfehlen! Ich persnlich benutze sie fr meine Auftritte als DJ, in der Freizeit, beim Sport und beim Musik produzieren. Sie sind sehr vielseitig und mache eine Menge Freude. Innerhalb von ca. 3-4 Stunden sind die Kopfhrer wieder aufgeladen und sorgen so fr bis zu 14 Stunden Musikspa. Sehr Lobenswert ist auch das Transportcase, in welchem die Kopfhrer sicher und geschtzt transportiert werden knnen.
Das Preis-/ Leistungsverhltnis finde ich ziemlich angemessen.
Klare Kaufempfehlung!!
OK so Im coming from m-100’s. They have the same great build quality as those. Metal hinges, solid feel and unique folding ability. They sound great. Bass is not overpowering, mids and highs are clear. exactly what you’d expect for a 300+ pair of cans. The area where they fail is the ear pads. After 30 minutes they were unwearable. Painful. OUCH! Mind you, I have normal sized ears. They don’t stick out nor are they exceeding large. I like many other purchased the xl pad and am now very happy with them. BUT for this much money you shouldn’t have to.
So in conclusion, expect to add another 20 to the cost of these and buy the pads when you place your order or trust me you will have to wait 2 days for them with cans you cant wear longer than 30 minutes.
I don’t often find enough good things, or I find too many bad things, for me to give a headset 5 stars but in this case there’s nothing to keep me from doing so. I am impressed. I’m having a hard time thinking of anything I don’t like about this headset. About the only things I would have changed is the size of ear cups, the second would be a slight bit more padding on the inner head band. These end up being an on the ear rather than over the ear variety unless a very young person puts them on. The reason I would prefer over the ear is to provide more noise reduction. Even with that, the pads are extremely soft with a leather like material covering them, they are simply extremely comfortable and there is some noise reduction.
The audio reproduction here is excellent, right out of the box with the equalizer set to flat this thing sounds great. The full audio spectrum is crystal clear, subtle background instruments come though, something that really makes a headset provide a robust experience. This is true when using both options, direct connection or Bluetooth. Without getting into a bunch of mumbo jumbo on codecs and such, if your phone, tablet, or laptop can support the codecs the headset is capable of using your audio experience will be terrific. Even when using it with an older phone that isn’t capable of using the new codecs it still sounds great when the equalizer was tweaked a bit. With any kind of an audio product how it sounds is a very personal thing. I can only tell you how I enjoyed this headset and what it sounded like for me. You’ll probably have a different experience but this is what equalizers were made for and in most cases making a few tweaks on an equalizer will produce a more pleasing result for virtually anybody.
Something to note, when there is nothing playing and the volume is set to its highest point the electronics produce no hum, crackling, popping, hissing, or any other kind of noise like cheaper headsets do.
For phone audio, both incoming and outgoing is excellent.
I’ve been using them now for about three weeks and have discovered that I can easily go three working days before needing to recharge the battery. This makes it about 18 hours at around the 40% volume area. This is excellent and better than the other high-end wireless headsets (Sony and Sennheiser) that I have.
I find the buttons and power switch very easy to use and here’s a big thing, the buttons are stiff that they cant be activated accidentally but still soft enough that when depressed it doesn’t sound like a fire cracker going off in your ear. This is a big problem with so many headsets.
Construction wise, it looks a little on the delicate side but has stood up to a few drops without any damage.
The ear muffs are only a one axis swivel, up and down no front to back adjustment is available.
Even the case is excellent, its tough, looks good, comes with a carabiner for attaching to a backpack, and has spaces to hold both the included USB power cord and audio cable.
For those who have a system that uses 1/4 inch audio jacks, there is an included 3.5mm to 1/4 inch adapter.
Pairing was about as simple as it gets, push and hold the power switch all the way to the right for three seconds till the LED flashes and search for “V-MODA Crossfade 2”. Reconnecting is quick and fast.
The best set of Bluetooth headphones I have ever owned, and sound even better using the cable. The advantages of not having active noise cancelling are very apparent comparing the V-Moda’s to the latest Sony and Bose models. If you can find a shop selling all three brands, try each and decide for yourself. If you like personalisation, buy from V-Moda’s own site, where $350 will get you every design except the precious metals section, and you can even send in your own design. But really, in the end it’s all about sound, and nothing in this sector comes close to these V-Modas. Byw, they take a few days to start sounding their best and it’s also worth while purchasing the extra large ear pads, especially for extended listening, which you will want to do when you hear the sound !
I am posting a previous review written for the CF2W in Rose Gold. I want to edit this to reference the the Codex version.
EDIT: I have the original CF2W in Rose Gold which already had the apt-X codec included. To my ears, the sound quality between the CF2W and the Codex version remains the same. I am primarily an Android user but have an iPhone for work use and will tell you if you have an iPhone the Codex version is the one to get. It includes AAC, which was not included in the first version. If you did not have the original in Rose Gold this is a must buy. Also, if you had the CF2W in Rose Gold know that if you want the Matte Black you can now get apt-X in the Matte Black color. It is still not a noise cancelling headphone.
The Codex version still has the V-Moda house bass but it is more controlled than in past offerings. It is the most balanced headphone that V-Moda has produced.
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.
Just got my wife Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II), you could feel the premium end-to-end quality, but man – when I’ve got my V-MODAs Codex Edition, bar was raised exponentially, what a piece of art, what a beast, what a feeling!!! Words can’t describe. They feel out of this world! P.S. my boss at work said you could get robbed wearing this headphones! They look so gorgeous, and my cut on that – they don’t just look, they are!
This full rich sound is what I crave. And with its copper touches its so pretty (wish they had done a white copper version though). I went through Senn, Shure, Marshall and Bose before landing happily on these. Did not like the cost but it is what it is.
BASS, plenty. I had to reduce my EQ’s low setting else I’d have bad headaches within 2 tunes.
TREBLE, from tenor/soprano voices and Meyer’s Fender Strat and flutes, sharp and crisp like I love them.
The reasons for knocking off a star, though I hate to are:
Worst buttons on any headset ever in my 40 years of buying headsets! I mean drugstore $14 ones have better. These are hard plastic. Located badly at the top of the ear cup. I have to take the set off to get at the multi function center button. And there’s no rewind/ffwd! At $350, are they kidding me? Solid gold accessiries available for 600 and buttons feel like they are from a cheap toy. The kind in the trash by Dec 26. AWWWFUL VModa.
Too much tension. Hurts the jaw and ear.
No Bluetooth during charging. No audble batt check feature until a blast of notes when unit is nearly out of power.
The matte case shows oil stains. So if you have on moisturizer you’ll have to wipe it off.
If you need noise cancelling these have little.
See pics of my fav PowerAmp app EQ setting for these.
Having used the past two versions of V-MODA’s wireless crossfade line for the past 3-4 years, I always wanted the APTX codec in the matte black version. This was limited to the Rose Gold version last year which I wasn’t a big fan of. So I used the matte black with the inferior sound codecs…until now that is. Got these this morning and have spent a good 6 hours with them comparing them to the Crossfade Wireless 2 (standard version) and I am in love. The richness, clarity and fullness of the sound is improved over the original version and that’s exactly what I was looking for. The rest of the package is identical, which has always been great. Extremely durable, comfortable (albeit slightly heavy compared to some other headphones in the category) and they have outstanding battery life (still on my first charge after 6 hours still at 70%).
If you’re a traveler the lack of noise cancellation might be a deal breaker for you, but I’ve take the original CFW2s on the plane and they did an outstanding job isolating the music and blocking out the airplane noise dramatically. I can’t get used to true noise cancelling headphones as the pressure bothers my ears, so these are definitely the next best thing.
The one area where V-MODA has not improved is their buttons. I’ve been complaining about the mushy and inaccurate buttons for years and that hasn’t changed. They may be a little more accurate but it’s just not a satisfying experience. The buttons just don’t feel great. They work fine, but I expect a little more clickyness in the 350 dollar price range. I still prefer the touch controls of some of the competitors. That said, they don’t sound as good, so I have to just live with that.
Anyway, to wrap it up, I can definitely recommend these headphones. Buttons aside, V-MODA continues to keep improving their wireless headphones and this obviously is the best version yet. Matte Black w/ APTX (for use w/ my OnePlus 6) is a dream. Sounds fantastic and looks great.