Persevering with their pre-holiday rollout, V-Moda just lately launched the latest model of their hottest headphones so far. Introducing the Crossfade 3 Wi-fi. These headphones mix twin diaphragm 50mm drivers, fastidiously tuned parts, and hi-fi wi-fi audio into an ultramodern design composed principally of premium steel and leather-based.
V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wi-fi SPECS
Value: $299
Colours: Bronze Black; Gunmetal Black; Matte Black
Battery life (rated): 30 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
Water resistance: None
Dimension: 7.8 x 5.8 x 3.3 inches
Weight: 11 ounces
Not every thing is up to date on these cans, as exhibited by the shortage of widespread capabilities (e.g., fast charging, contact controls) and V-Moda’s feature-limited companion app. The additional weight doesn’t make for excellent consolation both.
In the long run, the Crossfade 3 Wi-fi overcomes these flaws with exceptional sound and elegance that only a few rivals can match.
V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wi-fi evaluate: Availability and value
You should purchase the Crossfade 3 Wi-fi for $299 on V-Moda’s web site or at Adorma (opens in new tab), the place it comes bundled with a BoomPro Microphone at no additional price. Coloration choices encompass Bronze Black, Gunmetal Black, and Matte Black. Contained in the field are a carrying case, carabiner clip, SpeakEasy 1-button cable, ¼-inch professional adapter, USB-C charging cable, and one-year guarantee.
These are a number of the dearer wi-fi headphones on the market, priced increased than the stellar $199 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2, which has extra options and longer battery life. They’re additionally not that far off in value from noise-cancelling favorites such because the $329 Bose QuietComfort 45, $348 Sony WH-1000XM4, and $379 Bose 700.
In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing cheaper with dependable sound, battery life, and particular options, try a number of the fashions featured on our greatest low-cost wi-fi headphones listing.
Make sure to bookmark our headphone offers web page for the most recent gross sales.
V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wi-fi evaluate: Design and luxury
The Crossfade 3 Wi-fi appears no completely different than its predecessor, and that’s completely nice with V-Moda followers. Returning are the robust, versatile steel headband and reminiscence foam cushions. Signature particulars just like the patented CliqFold hinge stay intact to nestle the headphones into the carrying case. Defend customization can be out there to personalize your pair; that service comes at a premium ($25).
V-Moda’s exoskeleton carrying case with carabiner is ideal for journey. It’s compact, gentle, and could be clipped onto or tossed inside your backpack with out taking over an excessive amount of room. Moreover, it’s ridiculously sturdy. You possibly can most likely drop a five-pound dumbbell on it and never harm the outer shell or the headphones on the within. Don’t take that as a problem.
As with all V-Moda headphones, the usage of premium supplies provides undesirable weight and creates discomfort. Carrying it for longer than an hour straight turns into fatiguing, particularly because the leather-based on the earcups begins to warmth up and the scarf applies stress atop the cranium.
Match is respectable. The prolonged extenders accommodate listeners with massive heads. Discovering the proper setting is crucial as a result of the slightest little bit of looseness will trigger the headphones to fall off, and also you don’t need to hear these beauties smack the concrete.
V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wi-fi evaluate: Controls and voice assistant
The Crossfade 3 Wi-fi bodily buttons are ample. You’ll get good tactility with each press to make sure supposed capabilities – playback, name administration, and digital help – are being met. The embossed logos make finding the buttons straightforward. There’s additionally the one-button cable to function playback and name administration when listening in wired mode.
Nevertheless, contact controls are the extra preferrable enter technique today. On high of that, it will have been superior if V-Moda discovered how one can optimize their design by both having these beautiful earcups function contact panels or combine them on the perimeters.
One other blunder is V-Moda omitting one thing as widespread as movement sensors for put on detection. Having the ability to auto-pause when eradicating the headphones or resume playback when putting them again in your head is one thing most wi-fi headphones supply.
Google Assistant, Bixby, and Siri are appropriate and work flawlessly. V-Moda’s mics seize each syllable and each AI bots register voice instructions with precision.
V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wi-fi evaluate: Audio high quality
If there’s one space the place V-Moda has by no means dropped the ball, it’s audio high quality. The engineers did an incredible job tuning the Crossfade 3 Wi-fi to ship immersive, depth-filled sound that’s highlighted by sturdy bass, easy mids, and placing highs.
The introductory guitar strum on Calvin Harris’ “Feels” feels eternal, due to impeccable reverberation. The bassline additionally has extra bounce and definition to it on the Crossfade 3 Wi-fi in comparison with different premium rivals just like the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Tracks like Widespread’s “Resurrection” that mix hip-hop and jazz parts sounded improbable. The drums knocked exhausting, and the piano keys rode easily over the thumping manufacturing. Jazz data had been extra satisfying. V-Moda’s soundstage reproduced devices fantastically. I cherished each cymbal faucet, horn blow, and plucked double bass on Charles Mingus’ “Higher Git It in Your Soul.” Much more compelling was the crispness from the scat singing and the influence from each hand clap.
I like to recommend sticking with the default EQ, although you’ve gotten the choice of experimenting with V-Moda’s customizable five-band EQ or presets (Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Jazz).
The bundled cable comes with Hello-Res Audio certification and offers audio a large increase in readability and sound. I most well-liked wired mode over wi-fi for psychedelic rock tracks. Every little thing on Tame Impala’s “New Particular person, Identical Errors” sounded fuller, from the layered harmonies to the synth bass to the guitar strings on the bridge. This was a banger during.
Streaming high quality was stable on my MacBook Professional (AAC), and it was a lot better on my Google Pixel 6 Professional as a consequence of aptX HD help. Qualcomm’s hi-res audio codec gave music a cleaner presence and introduced out extra particulars in complicated recordings.
These headphones passively block out ambient noise at an efficient stage. Not often was I distracted by incidental sounds when listening outdoor.
V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wi-fi evaluate: App and particular options
The V-Moda app brings little or no to the desk. Prime options have already been talked about, these being the handbook EQ and presets. All that continues to be is an auto-off timer, battery stage indicator, and firmware updates.
Different sub-$300 wi-fi headphones include far more options, or at the very least a Discover My Headphones perform. I can forgive V-Moda for not together with ANC, however they might have met us midway with a transparency mode.
V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wi-fi evaluate: Battery life
Battery life is rated at 30 hours. Some wi-fi headphones supply extra, others supply much less, however that is nice when factoring in total performance. Having used the headphones for over per week (4 hours each day) with recharging, I nonetheless had 30% left within the tank. Keep in mind that excessive quantity and wi-fi options drain the battery extra rapidly.
Sadly, V-Moda didn’t assume it was vital to incorporate fast charging, which is bewildering. You’ll have to attend 3 hours for a full cost.
V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wi-fi evaluate: Name high quality and connectivity
The Crossfade 3 Wi-fi is an ample calling headset. Readability is usually clear, although background noise and wind produce slight muffle. Quantity is reasonable, which could be a problem for individuals who communicate low, however these on the alternative finish of a name will nonetheless make out what you’re saying.
Bluetooth 5.0 is 50/50. When it’s on level, the headphones immediately pair to acknowledged gadgets and lengthen as much as 85 toes (25 meters) for calls and wi-fi streaming. Google Quick Pair doesn’t come a part of the bundle, however multipoint expertise does, letting you join to 2 gadgets on the identical time. This makes switching between your laptop computer and cellphone (and vice versa) seamless. Nevertheless, I observed two points with the function: you’ll be able to’t entry the app when it’s enabled and there’s a bug that constantly pauses Spotify as soon as disconnected out of your second audio supply.
V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wi-fi evaluate: Verdict
The Crossfade 3 Wi-fi looks like a return to type for V-Moda. It doesn’t experiment with gimmicky options just like the S-80 or push noise cancellation on you, granted that’s a function most shoppers welcome for the value. As an alternative, it improves on model staples equivalent to sound, battery life, and connectivity, whereas retaining V-Moda’s artsy, high-end craftsmanship. May it profit from extra options and a much less heavy design? Completely. That doesn’t take away from its sonic greatness.
