crossfade lp

How do you like your headphone sound: Accurate or bassy?

Most of the headphones I've tested over the years weren't designed to have a neutral balance of bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. Manufacturers are well aware that most people like bass, and that buyers tend to favor one headphone over another based on how much bass it produces. I think that's obvious, but a recent study cited in Brent Butterworth's blog countered that assumption. "The Relationship between Perception and Measurement of Headphone Sound Quality," a paper by Sean Olive and Todd Welti presented at last October's Audio Engineering Society convention found that a … Read more

The 404 1,171: Where cyber has a new meaning (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- The confetti at Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade was made of confidential police documents.

- NEC is designing a suitcase-size DNA analyzer.

- A pill that calls home once you've taken it.

- CNET Exclusives: 35 percent off Outdoor Technology Bluetooth headphones and wireless gear!

- Cyber Monday CNET Holiday Gift Guide.… Read more

The 404 1,153: Where we're not yelling (podcast)

Enter our week-long Threadless contest for a chance to win one of three Threadless T-shirts -- one lucky winner will receive a $30 gift certificate to the Threadless Web Store. Just follow us on Twitter and @reply us a photo of your favorite T-shirt along with the hash tag #404Threadless. We'll select the winners next Monday. Good luck!… Read more

Crave giveaway: S.F.-themed V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones

Did you leave your heart in San Francisco? What about your headphones? Well, here's your chance to get them back. This week, in honor of the city where CNET is headquartered, we're giving away a pair of V-Moda Crossfade LP Custom over-ear headphones with a San Fran theme.

Those with their ears to the world of audio accessories know V-Moda to be a reputable maker of stylish, low-profile earbuds that's branched out into headphones and, more recently, a headphone amp that's also an iPhone case.

The company's Crossfade LP Custom headphones let you choose from a wide range of plate color options, as well as stock engraving graphics (numbered jersey, crown, skull snake) or your very own custom logo. In this case, the headphones are already designed for you with swappable decorative plates featuring the Golden Gate Bridge and a cable car.

Normally, these San Francisco-centric earphones would cost you $199, but you have the chance to get them for free. How? Well, there are a few rules (including not calling San Francisco Frisco), so please listen up.… Read more

Crave giveaway: V-Moda Crossfade LP Custom headphones

Ever wish your boring old headphones were a bit more "you"? With this week's prize, a set of V-Moda Crossfade LP Custom over-ear headphones, you get a cool pair of 'phones--and the chance to infuse them with some personal panache.

Those with their ears to the world of audio accessories know V-Moda as a reputable maker of stylish, low-profile earbuds. When the company moved into the full-size-headphone realm last year with its V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones, CNET reviewers gave the cans high marks for their durable construction and good looks. The custom versions add even more flair to the mix.

You'll choose from a wide range of plate color options, as well as stock engraving graphics (numbered jersey, crown, skull snake, or vinyl immortal angel logo) or your very own custom logo. Custom text rounds out the personalization. We think a Crave logo with the words "devoted Crave reader" would look fabulous, but hey, it's up to you! … Read more

V-Moda Crossfade M-80 headphones survive military stress test

V-Moda works with popular DJs like Paul Oakenfold, Major Lazer, and Deadmau5 to tweak and tune its headphones, and the latest product of its celebrity endorsement is a midsize pair of on-ear cans called the Crossfade M-80s.

The 'phones are designed to be 53 percent smaller than their full-size sibling, the Crossfade LP, but the steel exoskeleton, replaceable memory foam ear cushions, and even the contoured travel case all remain to give the headphones an overbuilt quality capable of withstanding rough roads.

We're not joking about its ruggedness, either. The M-80s survived the military's strict MIL-STD-810G standard that tests the limits of product durability. Nearly all parts of the headphones are tailored for toughness, from a detachable Kevlar-reinforced cable to the headband that can stretch out completely flat.

We had a chance to preview an early model of the M-80s last month, and V-Moda founder/designer Val Kolton told us how the company relies on a 31-band EQ, lab testing, reference tuning, and a QA process with sound engineers to make sure every V-Moda headphone sounds exactly the same. This way, the company can guarantee a consistent frequency response and noise isolation for every pair sold.

The V-Moda Crossfade M-80s are available now in retail stores for $230 and are backed by a two-year warranty as well as the company's "Immortal Life Replacement Program" that guarantees a 50 percent discount off a replacement pair in the unlikely case the original breaks.

Lucky for us, Val left a pair of M-80s for review, so look for a full report on CNET coming soon. More pictures after the jump.… Read more

Super stylish V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones

V-Moda has gained quite a reputation for its stylish, low-profile earbuds, so it's not terribly surprising that the company has decided to dip its toes into the full-size headphone waters. As would be expected, V-Moda's entry into the space is every bit as stylish as its ultraportable siblings.

The Crossfade LP headphones run about $250 and feature top-notch construction, plenty of features, and a comfy fit. Unfortunately, sound quality is not on par with the price point, so if that's your chief concern, these aren't the best option.

Read the V-Moda Crossfade LP review.