V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones (photos)

To say that the Crossfade LP headphones are different than the rest of V-Moda's earphones is a bit of an understatement. The Remix line includes only supertiny in-ear models, whereas the Crossfades are monsters in comparison.

These are true full-size cans with large, ultracushy padded earcups and a nice, thick padded headband. The result is a comfortable fit for nearly every head size and shape, though the 'phones did tend to make our ears slightly sweaty and itchy after extended wear; it wasn't excessive, though.

The style of the Crossfade LP is definitely eye-catching, to the point where one tester didn't feel "hard core" enough to pull them off. The headphones come in a choice of three colors--gunmetal black, phantom chrome, or white pearl--and each version features shiny metallic plates fastened on the earcups and headband with mini bolts.

The stylishness extends to the Crossfade LP headphones' detachable cables, which V-Moda coats in a patterned gray and black cloth and terminate in what has become the company's signature hose nozzle plug. The cord is extra thick and the plugs are gold-plated, which adds to the overall feel of high-quality construction. Also nice is that one of the detachable cables includes an inline mic as well as playback and volume controls that work with the iPhone and iPod.

In addition, the package includes a quarter-inch adapter, a carabineer clip, and a heavy-duty hard-sided case. Unfortunately, the Crossfade LP headphones do not fold down at all, so transporting them is a bulky affair.

Until we started testing the Crossfade LP's audio quality, they were quite living up to their $250 price tag. Sadly, the sound quality is not up to snuff when compared with other sets in that range. In fact, our $80 Creative Aurvana Live headphones offer cleaner, more-balanced audio than the Crossfade LPs do.