V-moda Crossfade LP review

They look great, but these V-Modas are a real sonic letdown Tested at £170

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A good-looking headphone spoilt by seriously disappointing sound quality

Pros

  • +

    Great looks

  • +

    solid build

  • +

    comfortable

Cons

  • -

    Loose bass

  • -

    unbalanced frequencies

  • -

    claustrophobic sound

  • -

    lacks detail

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

We wouldn't blame any hi-fi fashionistas for making a beeline for these V-Modas. They look pretty impressive and, dare we say it, stylish.

Storm Troopers will go crazy for the White Pearl finish, while Darth Vader types can opt for Phantom Chrome or Gunmetal Black.

The steel frame on which they're built has both form and function – bringing extra rigidity – while the foam earpads are especially comfortable.

Box-fresh, the Crossfade LPs sound highly-strung and tightly wound, but once they're fully bedded in, sound quality goes to the other extreme.

Bass sounds loose and woolly, smothering the other frequencies. Spin Eminem's Not Afraid and there's little room for vocals to breathe. Everything sounds subdued and lacking detail.

Full marks for styling, V-Moda, but the Crossfade LP's sound quality is a real let-down.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test