V-Moda Crossfade M-80 headphones review

The first time I experienced a pair of V-Moda headphones was back in 2008 when I enjoyed my time with a pair of the company’s earbuds. At the time, V-Moda headphones were already well known for their blend of premium quality and sound despite the company’s young age.

This time around, I got a chance to spend some quality time with a pair of the V-Moda Crossfade M-80 on-ear headphones. Priced in the $200 range, V-Moda’s premium offering aims to sway potential users away from the well-established Beats Audio Solo, and therefore enough to get me curious.

V-Moda headphones have always aimed at the fashion conscious and the Crossfade M-80 is no exception. Sporting similar looks as the larger, over-ear Crossfade LP model, the M-80 headphones look great. They also come in plenty of colors to choose from, including the capability to add your personal touch. You can change the shield color on the headphones’ side by choosing from a number of colors, textures and designs, including the ability to create your own.

V-Moda Crossfade M-80 live photos

The retail package of the V-Moda Crossfade M-80 leaves nothing to be desired. Inside the box, which is a looker in its own right, you will find the headphones, a great-looking case, as well as two 3.5mm cables – one with three buttons for iOS devices and a single-button one for all others.

Ergonomics are superb. The Crossfade M-80 are relatively light at 200 grams, so even prolonged use will not cause any unwanted discomfort.

Build quality of the Crossfade M-80 is nothing short of impressive. V-Moda call the STEELFLEX headband of the headphones “virtually indestructible.” The headphones are tested beyond military-level MIL-STD-810G test standards. The cable/plug bend has been Kevlar reinforced, while the headphones can survive over 70 drops on concrete from 6 feet. To cap it all up, V-Moda sells the headphones with two-year warranty, which is rare to come across for such a product.

The headphones came well equipped in the sound department as well. The M-80 packs 40mm patented dual-diaphragm high-fidelity drivers with the hefty impedance of 28.5 Ohms. The frequency response range is between 5 and 30,000 Hz and the sound pressure level peaks at 105dB.

In real terms, the above numbers translate into a superbly balanced sound, regardless of the equalizer setting and the music style. I spent several weeks with the headphones as my daily driver and found nothing to frown at.

Overall, the V-Moda Crossfade M-80 are easy to recommend, despite their relatively high asking price of $230. Should you decide to shop around, you can snag a pair at Amazon for as low as $170 depending on the color of your choosing. This is a fair amount of cash to ask for superbly built, good looking premium headphones, which carry great sound.