[iamkornholio]

A headphone novice's initial thoughts....
 
I really had a hard time choosing between the matte white/black and had initially ordered the black.  However, after UPS lost my package, I contacted V-Moda who offered to overnight the headphones at no charge to me.  I asked about the color and they had no problem sending the whites instead, which look awesome (although I'm still a little concerned about the color holding up to daily use).  Regardless, as I mentioned in a previous post, I thought this was superb customer service.
 
A little background...
Let me state first that I bought these strictly for wireless use.  I used the immortal life program to return my M-80s, purchased back in Jan 2012.  (I also own a pair of Bose QC-15s, bought in 2012 as well.)  I bought the CFW1 in Feb of this year and, to be honest, was not too impressed.  I loved my M-80s, but did not like the the bass on the CFW1 at all, everything sounded muddled.  So I purchased the Bose Soundlink II wireless.  I was able to compare the two side-by-side, and thought the Bose sounded much better and were much more comfortable.  CFW1s returned.  Then the CFW2s came out...how lucky was I that I was still within the return period for the Bose?  So back they went.  I figured if the CFW2s were no good, i could make ANOTHER return and repurchase the Bose, or continue looking.
 
This morning, I've been working around the house, wearing the CFW2s for ~4 hours straight.  I can gladly say that the CFW2s are simply the best headphones I've heard--and I'm only using over BT with my iPhone6S Plus.  Granted, I may not have the ears of some of the experts in this forum, but not having aptx or ACC support is now irrelevant to me--the CFW2s are clear, crisp, and have plenty of bass/punch for me.  And it does not have the muddled sound I experienced with the CFW1s.  
 
One concern I had with the 2s were with the additional weight, as heavy as the CFW1s seemed compared to the Bose.  Thankfully, I can say that I have not noticed it.  I never had a concern that they would fall off while working, nor do they feel overly tight on my gigantic pumpkin-sized head.  The one knock I have against the CFW2s is that I wish the ear cups were a bit larger/deeper.  I still have the XL pads I purchased with the CFW1s (V-Moda gave me those for free b/c I complained about their shipping process taking SO LONG), but unfortunately, I don't see much difference with those, so I'll stick with the stock.  I did use the suggestion noted earlier in the forums, sticking a short strand of ethernet cable under the pads, which helps some.
 
For what it's worth, I listen to a variety of music; from Shinedown to Owl City to Moonshine Bandits--I've been happy all around.  
 
Very happy with this purchase--I hope I'm just as satisfied with my Forza Metallo Wireless, which should be here later this week.  

 

[plakat]

At last... the Rose Gold is here (OK, to be fair it was waiting for my return since Wednesday). Did not yet spend much time listening, but they offer much more detail than the CFW1. Its still a V-Moda with strong bass, but better structured, clearer and less midbass (my only real critique with the CFW1). Soundstage seems wider as well, with better treble and more present mids... together with increased comfort a worthwhile upgrade to me.
 
I was quite hesitant about the rose gold, but it does look more like copper indeed. Plus the golden screws do look good.
 
M-100 / CFW1 / CF2W

 

 

 

[skyejack]

  At last... the Rose Gold is here (OK, to be fair it was waiting for my return since Wednesday). Did not yet spend much time listening, but they offer much more detail than the CFW1. Its still a V-Moda with strong bass, but better structured, clearer and less midbass (my only real critique with the CFW1). Soundstage seems wider as well, with better treble and more present mids... together with increased comfort a worthwhile upgrade to me.
 
I was quite hesitant about the rose gold, but it does look more like copper indeed. Plus the golden screws do look good.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A very encouraging assessment to me. Loved the pics as well. I've got the gold ones on the way, but the pic of the all black m100 reminds me of how much I love the stealthy look of those. If the all blacks had AptX, I would have grabbed them in a heartbeat.

 

[stuck limo]

One really nice thing about the CF II vs the M100 is that I can place the CF II around my neck without literally being strangled. The M100 with the XL pads won't allow me to do that.

 

[SpiderNhan]

  One really nice thing about the CF II vs the M100 is that I can place the CF II around my neck without literally being strangled. The M100 with the XL pads won't allow me to do that.

This might just be the selling feature for me. I'm totally serious.

 

[skyejack]

Here's a user review from Amazon. It's not mine, but I thought others would find it interesting:

Sources: iPhone7-plus, iPod Touch, iPad Pro Mini, Macbook 12-inch, AudioQuest DragonFly Red.

Review note: All comments below apply to the Rose Gold edition with the aptX codec as well as the matte white edition, unless otherwise noted.

The V-MODA Crossfade II Wireless ('Wireless2' hereafter) inherits its sound from the M100 and Wireless1, as well as much of its physical design. I'll get right to the sound: The bass is not as strong as the M100 or Wireless1, but it's definitely stronger than the bass on so-called "neutral" headphones like the Sennheiser HD600 or HD800. I read quite a few reviews of the Wireless2, and those reviews have the bass as anywhere from near-neutral to "about the same" as the Wireless1, or M100. My estimate after doing some comparisons is that the difference is about 3 db, but keep in mind that the shape of the bass response and the quality and detail are different from the Wireless1/M100. I estimated that the bass emphasis on those was centered around 110 hz, whereas with the Wireless2 it's lower, perhaps 90 hz. Since the emphasis (to whatever extent) is centered lower and slightly less strong above that, you will notice the greater impact and detail. And it's mighty good.

A note about bass response and listening environments: When I walk outdoors and wear these headphones, I appreciate a strong bass, because it doesn't actually sound that strong, no doubt because of traffic and other low-frequency noise in the city. Back at the house I might turn it down a little, but that depends on the music I'm listening to. Again, the change in impact and detail from the prior Wireless1/M100 headphones is all on the plus side, and I expect that most users will love it if they get the chance to experience it. The midrange isn't something I can say much if anything about, because it's uncolored and clean. There is a small difference there, or in the treble as well, between the Rose Gold edition of the Wireless2 and the other editions, since the Rose Gold edition has the "Qualcomm aptX" Bluetooth codec, while the others are standard Bluetooth (whatever that entails).

About that difference, as it relates to the actual sound: What I've found is that the aptX codec is a little smoother with slightly more spaciousness. Most people would pick that up only on a direct comparison, but my feeling is if you have any music tracks that are just barely making it for minor irritations in the sound, the difference in codecs could push the acceptability one way or the other. That's a critical listening evaluation however, and wouldn't really apply in portable/outdoor listening, most coffee shops etc., where the noise floor is greater than those differences. The Wireless2's isolation is moderate - useful for music listening in most outdoor situations, but in very noisy places you might find that fine details in the music would be obscured by the ambient background noise. The leakage is very low, and people sitting close by won't hear anything unless the environment is dead quiet (library, quiet office) and you're playing music at audiophile volume levels.

My impression of the Wireless2's treble is that it's fairly polite - even a tad shy in some cases, but that depends on how and where you play it. As I alluded to above, outdoors there is enough bass absorption that the treble seems very well balanced, but indoors where it's quiet the bass will be more prominent and the treble will seem softer, although not recessed as is the case with quite a few pricy headphones. I'm being as picky as possible here, but judging from the huge popularity of the M100, the Wireless2 is going to get even more love than the M100 and Wireless1.

To check out the wireless (Bluetooth) capability, I paired it with my iPhone 7-plus, and placed the phone at one end of my apartment. I walked into several other rooms including laundry and bath rooms, closets, A/C enclosures etc., up to 35 feet from the phone, and the signal was always clean and perfect. I've used a few other wireless headphones, and most were 100 percent in that regard, so I wouldn't expect any surprises with the Wireless2. I haven't found that where I am with the headphone makes any difference, unless such a difference (interference etc.) were caused by my cellphone attempting to something that I'm unaware of. I don't hear a significant difference in the sound between wireless and wired modes, but if getting the very best sound is important, wired use with a good DAC and headphone amp would be the way to go. I use the DragonFly Red for those occasions. Bottom line on the sound: The king of headphones just got a lot better.

My Wireless2's have the standard shields (earcup side-plates) on them, but I added 3D metal shields to my M100, and that customization is also available for the Wireless2. The mil-spec build of the M100 plus its 'Cliqfold' hinges are standard for the Wireless2. Other differences are: There's one input for wired use on the bottom of the right earcup, and one input for charging on the bottom of the left earcup. There's an on/off switch toward the bottom of the right earcup, and volume and start/stop buttons at the top of the right earcup. These controls are easy to manipulate, but they blend in so well that they don't distract from the overall aesthetics. The earpads are slightly different from the M100's standard earpads, but not a significant difference for me. They are very soft and squishy, and are a snug fit around my average-size ears. Reviewers have had very different opinions on the fit and comfort, but I don't feel much difference from the M100 other than a softer fit.

A zippered hard-shell carrycase is included for when you don't want to wear it around your neck. I don't use the case unless I'm traveling, because it's much more convenient to carry it around my neck when not listening. The headband's range of adjustment is slightly more than 1/2 inch larger and 1/2 inch smaller on each side compared to where I use it on my average-size head. In previous reviews I've included music examples with comments about how the headphones sound with each track. My suggestion is instead of reading each one as an absolute unto itself, you could compare my notes here to other reviews and see how the Wireless2 compares to other headphones with each track. Note that the Wireless2 was evaluated above and below without tone controls or equalization.

Above & Beyond - We're All We Need (feat. Zoe Johnston): A very nice tight but impactful bass with crystal clear vocals - the Wireless2 plays this with great ambiance.

Anamanaguchi - Planet: A complex mix of percussion sounds and hummed vocals. The bells and other high-frequency percussion are highly detailed, the bass line has good impact, and the bass detail is surprisingly good.

Armin van Buuren - J'ai Envie de Toi (Orig Mix feat Gaia): Decent bass impacts, breathy vocals, lots of fun noise - the Wireless2 plays this perfectly.

Avicii - Feeling Good: Classic female vocal in movie-theme style - the Wireless2 brings this to life like nothing else I've heard.

Carl Kennedy-Tommy Trash ft Rosie Henshaw - Blackwater (Original Master): Nice strong tight bass impacts, female vocal, rendered delectably by the Wireless2.

Crystal Castles - Wrath of God: Atmospheric tune with vocal sound effects and strong bass line, plus some unique treble percussion sounds. The Wireless2 brings these unique sounds to life.

Digitalism - Pogo: A driving beat with a detailed bass synth and great vocals ("There's something in the air...") - the Wireless2 makes this very enjoyable.

Dino Lenny-Lino Di Meglio - We Will Make It: Atmospheric tune with mixed vocals - the female vocal is a special treat with the Wireless2.

DJ Shadow - Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt: High-pitched tones and strong deep piano chords with a hummed female vocal - ultra-cool with the Wireless2.

Fairmont - Poble Sec: Awesome detailed bass impacts with some nifty pingy guitar/synth effects. I discovered this tune at the time I purchased my 3rd M100 - the Wireless2 makes this even better.

Giuseppe Ottaviani - Lost for Words (On Air Mix feat Amba Shepherd): Strong bass impacts behind a female voice - a large-scale sweeping sonic image reminiscent of epic adventures in an exotic land. The Wireless2 is playing on a whole new level here.

Hecq - Enceladus (With Skyence): Prodigious deep bass and clean at that. This tune's melody is more abstract than most of the others here, but the Wireless2 makes it a real adventure.

Katy B - Crying For No Reason (Tom Shorterz Remix): Oh myyyyy, I love Katy B. The vocal mix here is awesome and the bass is solid. This is the Wireless2 at its best.

Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch: I first heard this in The September Issue film and soundtrack, as the backdrop for the opening catwalk (watch Andre grinning at 1:51 - all you need to know) - the Wireless2 plays this amazing tune perfectly.

Lee and Malinda - Truth Will Set You Free (V-Moda Mix): Lee Kalt is the master, this is the masterpiece. The drum (or tom-tom) hits here have a very realistic skin-tone, the female vocal is seamlessly integrated into the driving beat, and the synth effects also blend well - the Wireless2 just owns this.

Markus Schulz - Mainstage: The granddaddy of bass is in this track, and the Wireless2 plays it smooth and clean.

 

[SpiderNhan]

That's a Dale Thorn review if I've ever read one. He'll have a video review up soon after. Thanks for sharing!

 

[skyejack]

That's a Dale Thorn review if I've ever read one. He'll have a video review up soon after. Thanks for sharing!

 

[SpiderNhan]

LOL!

 

[Devodonaldson]

This might just be the selling feature for me. I'm totally serious.

hmm. I tried this when I first purchased, and though it wasn't horrible, still can't lower my chin with V-moda cans around my neck. Now seeing as how we are coming from the same place of trying to get the best sound possible out of M100 by using dual inputs, I'm surprised you haven't made the switch yet. Granted I was able to make the trade in person, so there was no waiting for me. SpiderNhanthese cans check all the boxes. As I have stated previously, I have officially gone from a m100/hifiman edition S combo, to JUST the CF2W. You need to join the party!

 

[stuck limo]

  This might just be the selling feature for me. I'm totally serious.

 
I don't blame you man. That's the one thing I absolutely f*ing HATE about the M100s. I LOVE my XS because I can hang them around my neck much easier. I also have issues hanging the ATH-m40x around my neck unless I lay the cups flat against my chest.
 
edit: I realize I could extend the headband up/down to give my neck extra clearance, but then that's an extra annoying step. Oh well.
 
Edit: the guy next to me at work just tried out my ATH-m40x vs CF II vs M100. He said the ATH sounded "amazing". He enjoyed the M-100 a LOT, saying he was hearing notes he'd never heard. The CF II were good but he really enjoyed the bass on the M100. He wants a pair of the M100 for his birthday now.

 

[haroex1]

That's a Dale Thorn review if I've ever read one. He'll have a video review up soon after. Thanks for sharing!

Yea Dale is pretty honest when it comes to reviews and is usually spot on. I wonder if Tyll is gonna review these. I am curious to hear his honesty also.

 

[SpiderNhan]

hmm. I tried this when I first purchased, and though it wasn't horrible, still can't lower my chin with V-moda cans around my neck. Now seeing as how we are coming from the same place of trying to get the best sound possible out of M100 by using dual inputs, I'm surprised you haven't made the switch yet. Granted I was able to make the trade in person, so there was no waiting for me. @SpiderNhanthese cans check all the boxes. As I have stated previously, I have officially gone from a m100/hifiman edition S combo, to JUST the CF2W. You need to join the party!

​I was awaiting reviews about Bluetooth performance, apt-X/non-apt-X comparisons, etc. before biting since, being a Samsung user, apt-X is a priority. I've also realized that besides my white silver M-100 and Rhythm Beige PortaPro every other headphone I own is black. Rose Gold is pretty, but that matte white... oh boy. How about this? The matte white has a brighter signature while the matte black has a darker signature? Then they'll be different reasons for buying all 3 colors! But seriously with summer fast approaching my over-ear headphones go into retirement in favor of on-ear and IEM options. It's just too hot in NYC to wear M-100s on my head or neck. Simply not practical.
 
I also made the mistake of sticking my nose in the Chinese and Asian brand and KZ threads. The past two months have seen me drop CF2W money on about a dozen different IEMs, silver-plated cables and ear tips of all varieties. Nearly all of the Chinese cheapys sound amazing considering their foamy cappuccino + a buttered croissant prices. I've become more of an audio collector than an audiophile and cheap IEMs are a much more wallet friendly way to do it. The CF2W will come with due time but I'm actually much more interested in the Forza Metallo Wireless. That or 6 more IEMs from AliExpress. Did you know that KZ is releasing a new flagship soon with 2 dynamic drivers and 2 balanced armatures per ear for under $30? I NEED IT NOW!

 

[Devodonaldson]

​I was awaiting reviews about Bluetooth performance, apt-X/non-apt-X comparisons, etc. before biting since, being a Samsung user, apt-X is a priority. I've also realized that besides my white silver M-100 and Rhythm Beige PortaPro every other headphone I own is black. Rose Gold is pretty, but that matte white... oh boy. How about this? The matte white has a brighter signature while the matte black has a darker signature? Then they'll be different reasons for buying all 3 colors! But seriously with summer fast approaching my over-ear headphones go into retirement in favor of on-ear and IEM options. It's just too hot in NYC to wear M-100s on my head or neck. Simply not practical.

I also made the mistake of sticking my nose in the Chinese and Asian brand and KZ threads. The past two months have seen me drop CF2W money on about a dozen different IEMs, silver-plated cables and ear tips of all varieties. Nearly all of the Chinese cheapys sound amazing considering their foamy cappuccino + a buttered croissant prices. I've become more of an audio collector than an audiophile and cheap IEMs are a much more wallet friendly way to do it. The CF2W will come with due time but I'm actually much more interested in the Forza Metallo Wireless. That or 6 more IEMs from AliExpress. Did you know that KZ is releasing a new flagship soon with 2 dynamic drivers and 2 balanced armatures per ear for under $30? I NEED IT NOW!

WOW! Thankfully for me, I'm not a fan of iem anymore. I owned the Shure se540 in 2007 and used them through around 2012. Then I started listening to full sized cans. Haven't gone back since. The difference between hearing be the audio in your head, vs different degrees of soundstage won me over. I use Sennheiser momentum for running, was using both m100 and edition S as my portable, bass mod AKG Q701 with the anniversary memory foam earpads. Now the CF2W as my portable, and I have the XS, well I don't use them anymore. Stepped away from on ear as well. I did hear the isine 20 at Canjam, and it was the first iem I heard in a long time that I liked, but I still prefer over ear. Based on your descriptions, glad I'm not into iem anymore, lol.

 

[Yaroslav]

  How about this? The matte white has a brighter signature while the matte black has a darker signature? Then they'll be different reasons for buying all 3 colors!

This is priceless, somebody take notes!
 
Also if you're into IEMs the only way to go is custom! To the guy above me, there are IEMs that rival TOTL headphones in both detail and soundstage.