The new Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones feature a larger battery capacity of 430mAh, providing up to 14+ hours music playback, versus the 380mAh and 12 hours typical usage on the previous generation. This 15% bigger battery - which is fully recharged in around two and a half hours with a supplied micro-USB cable - is of course reflected on a slightly increased weight, now at 309g vs. 292g (with standard aluminum shields). Another important difference is the new Rose Gold model, which features Qualcomm aptX audio codec for compatible devices, providing better sound over Bluetooth. Plugging in the supplied cable instantly switches the headphones to pure analog mode, which deactivates all onboard electronics for situations where zero latency is important - essential for DJs, musicians, gaming and VR.
“V-MODA’s Crossfade headphones are the epitome of versatility,” says Val Kolton, CEO of V-MODA. “Once people own a truly great set of our headphones, they use them constantly in various use cases. And whether you are critically listening, producing music, DJing, gaming, watching movies or even working out, Crossfade 2 Wireless delivers on every level. How you connect them is irrelevant – you will love what you hear.”
Powered by brand new dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers using a hi-resolution CCAW coil that is “Made in Japan”, Crossfade 2 headphones are certified by Japan Audio Society (JAS) to Hi-Res Audio standard in wired mode. With 32 ohm impedance and an extended frequency range from 5Hz to 40kHz, users can now connect to a lossless music service or 24bit/96kHz playback sources and experience an increased dynamic range, with "more precise and sparkling high-frequency definition," the company states.
Designed for travellers, the Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones are convenient to pack due to its innovative patent-pending CliqFold mechanism design that folds down to fit into the deceptively small Exoskeleton hard-shell case, offering protection from the rigors of the road. With newly added vents (V-PORT) to ensure that air can circulate within to let the headphones breathe after a live performance or a workout, the case also has room to store charging and audio cables along with other extras like USB drives and earplugs.
The new memory foam features enhanced comfort and size for all ears. Hundreds of prototypes with small variances were tested personally for over three months by V-MODA’s CEO, Val Kolton, to perfect every fine detail of the cushions as the “fit is the sound”. Using larger, deeper cushions with an adjustable Steelflex headband the new V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones naturally contour to fit the user's head, keeping the noise out and improving sound perception. The headphones naturally achieve better analog noise isolation and are able to generate an improved soundstage without resorting to active noise cancellation.
The concealed microphone is optimized for phone calls and voice recognition, which is made easier still with the inclusion of a rugged Kevlar-reinforced SpeakEasy cable for wired use. The headphone's radio allows connections up to 10 meters and pairing with two sources at the same time, while the antenna is tuned to work flawlessly with smartwatches' built-in Bluetooth music players. Again, Val Kolton says it rigorously tested and tuned the antenna for smartwatch Bluetooth performance using nearly every Apple and Android watch on the market.
As with all V-MODA’s products, durability and careful material selection was paramount in the design. Crossfade 2 Wireless retains the combination of steel and metal materials along with improved "vegan leather" that the company says lives up to the military-standard MIL-STD-810G testing guidelines. The cables are also said to be tested and reinforced to bend over 1 million times, "up to 100 times the industry standard."
Style for the Crossfade 2 models was also revised, bringing back the fans-favorite color Matte Black (unavailable on the first version) and two all-new colors: Matte White and Rose Gold. A unique selling point in V-MODA's products, the new Crossfade 2 Wireless are compatible with V-MODA’s accessory ecosystem, so users can personalize their headphones with 3D printed shields; laser-engraved aluminum shields; BoomPro Mic for gamers, calls and broadcasters; XL cushions; CoilPro cable; 1/3-button Speakeasy cables; VAMP DAC/AMP; and the newly released REMIX headphone amplifier and Bluetooth speaker.Included with each Crossfade 2 Wireless headphones is the Exoskeleton ventilated carry case, carabiner clip, 1/4" inch jack adapter, reinforced SpeakEasy microphone and mic cable, reinforced V-Micro USB cable and a V-MODA sticker. The Matte Black and Matte White models retail for $330/€330, while the Rose Gold model featuring Qualcomm aptX sells for $350/€350.
3D printing and 2D laser customization is available exclusively at V-MODA.com/Crossfade-2-Wireless.
V-MODA.com
