This helmet is as comfortable as it is brilliant. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
I’ve used a lot of headsets over the years. My favorite headset for controlling audio playback, for example voiceovers, has been the Audio-Technica ATH M50X for years. But this is a very specific use which has nothing to do with listening to music. When I work out, I use the Mojawa Run Plus bone conduction headphones. When it comes to listening to music when I’m not exercising, I’ve used a mixed bag of headphones so far that rarely gave me the sound I wanted.
That’s why when V-Moda contacted me about the Crossfade 3 Wireless headphones, I was more than happy to try it. First of all, I would like to point out that every time a company contacts me to test headphones, I am always skeptical. This is especially true when it comes to a company that I don’t know as well as Audio-Technica or Sennheiser. Despite this, I am always willing to listen to what a company can offer.
And this time, I was blown away! Part of the reason may be that I tend to have pretty low expectations for most headsets on the market today (unless it’s a tech product over €500). So when a company says its $300 headset is impressive, I tend to waver between pessimism and optimism.
That said, when this new product arrived, I immediately charged it up and connected it to my computer. On Spotify I turned to my favorite band, Rush, to see if this headset would stand up to my scrutiny.
The characteristics of the Crossfade 3 Wireless headset
- Qualcomm aptX HD and AAC codecs for premium Bluetooth audio
- Wired operation (using the included cable) improves audio quality with an impressive frequency response of 5 to 40,000 Hz
- Official Hi-Res Audio certification from the Japan Audio Society
- Up to 30 hours of battery life per charge
- USB-C connectivity
- Lightweight with its weight of 315 g
- CliqFold hinge for compact storage
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Protective carrying case, USB-C cable, and 3.5mm audio cable with 1/4-inch adapter included
Crossfade 3 Wireless headset sound review
Beyond listening to Rush, I put these headphones to the test by listening to different genres including rock, progressive rock, metal, alternative, classical, soundtracks, and I I even connected it to my Switch to listen to the sound of my favorite game, Hollow Knight. Whatever I put the V-moda Crossfade 3 headphones through, I was seriously impressed. The sound is rich, the bass is full and deep, the midrange is perfect, the details are extraordinary. There is enough to compete with much more expensive helmets.
In other words, this headset dominates its category.
Another cool feature of the Crossfade 3 Wireless is music control. On the right shell, you will find three buttons and a slider. The slider turns the headphones on and puts them into pairing mode. The three buttons consist of two for volume control and one for playback and call management. There is also an app you can install on your phone that lets you control the equalizer and other functions. As I’ve said many times before, I don’t tend to install apps unless they’re absolutely necessary. I found the sound from the Crossfade 3 headphones to be so good that it didn’t require the help of an app.
On-ear music controls are easy to access. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
They are truly impressive. Listening to Tom Sawyer, from Rush’s brilliant Moving Pictures album, on Spofity, I was impressed by the sound reproduction. All the other pieces of music I tested with these headphones gave me the same pleasure.
I know this may sound hyperbolic, but these Crossfade 3 Wireless headphones have become my favorite headphones for listening to the music I love. Whether it’s vinyl, MP3s, streaming, or YouTube videos, these headphones breathe new life into a lot of the music I’ve known for years. If you care about your sound and don’t want to pay more than $500 for a pair of headphones, buy them for $300 and forget about it.
Source: “ZDNet.com”