v-moda

Is the music from your iPhone sounding a little lifeless? The Vamp could bring your audio back from the dead with a built-in headphone amplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that bypasses the iPhone's audio circuitry.

Designed for Apple's iPhone 4 and 4S, the Vamp is also a very solid-looking case that's made from "aircraft-grade metal." Inside, there's a high-quality DAC and two 150mW amps (at 32 omhs) to drive headphones of various sizes. A rechargeable 2,200mAh battery powers the setup for up to 8 hours, which isn't very impressive for a high-end headphone amp.

It also serves as a backup battery for your iPhone, which will undoubtedly leave you with even fewer hours of music. … Read more

Today's episode of The 404 is a valuable resource for anyone obsessed with headphones -- classic audiophiles, young audiophiliacs, musicians, producers, and casual listeners will all benefit from Steve Guttenberg's knowledge, and he brought a friend! Tyll Hertsens is largely credited for creating the first portable headphone amp and currently the editor-in-chief of InnerFidelity.

With Tyll's help, we'll run through the differences between on-ear and in-ear headphones, give credit to two companies responsible for introducing high-quality headphones to the next generation of audiophiles, and we'll even spend a little time dissecting the criteria for what makes a headphone "sound good."… Read more

As an audiophile, I value sound quality, but most audio buyers don't. Even when superior sound is available for the same cost as a lower quality alternative, most buyers will opt for the smaller, more convenient, more attractive, or more feature-laden product.

Case in point, the $399 Pioneer SP-PK21BS home theater speaker package. It's the best sounding home theater speaker/subwoofer system you can buy for that price, but it's also the biggest system you can get for that much money. How big is it? The SP-BS21-LR bookshelf speakers are 12.6 inches high, 7.2 inches … Read more

V-Moda refines the sound design of last year's original Crossfade LP DJ headphones with a refresh that offers customized ear plates, dual 50mm drivers, and a tough backbone enforced under strict military testing.

For this version, V-Moda displays its newest Live Play sonic signature developed using a 31-band equalizer to ensure a clean space, free of artificial sound spikes. The guts are built around a driver diaphragm model with a hard inner ring that pumps mids and highs, while a softer outer ring on top extends the bass line for harder punches.

V-Moda takes precautions to protect the Crossfade LP2s so you don't have to. The headphones adhere to the military's MIL-STD-810G hardened guidelines and will likely outlive everything else in your DJ bag thanks to a Kevlar wrapped detachable cable, a headband that can bend completely flat, and the shell's resistance to humidity, salt spray, and UV exposure.

The company is also offering customers a chance to personalize their gear with a custom ear shield program that lets you select between 12 colors of interchangeable shields- if you ask nicely, V-Moda will even etch your artwork onto the sides, anything from your name, company, sports team logo, or personal artwork.

The V-Moda Crossfade LP2 headphones are available now for $199.

More pictures after the break.… Read more

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

The V-Moda Revamp earbuds are a collaboration between V-Moda and HBO for the bloodsucking show "True Blood," but you don't have to be a fan to enjoy them. Aside from a couple small logos on the earbud pieces and the syringe-shaped remote control on the wire, nothing about them looks particularly vampiric.… Read more

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

When it comes to fantasy shows on HBO right now, I'm more of a "Game of Thrones" kind of guy, but I've been hearing a lot of chatter about the new season of "True Blood" as well. As V-Moda continues to offer more personalized headphones, the company's latest addition to the lineup is a partnership with HBO to bring "True Blood" fans a special-edition V-80 on-ear headphone.

The hardware features dual "ear shield" covers that pop off and allow the user to customize the design to go along with favorite images from the show, including a night club, Fagtasia, and the Japanese symbols you see on the "Tru Blood" beverage. V-Moda goes a step further and even lets you choose your own blood type to laser etch onto the earpiece, bringing you that much closer to the action.

In terms of the headphones themselves, the V-80 model is V-Moda's lightweight mobile headphone that features dual 40mm drivers and an extra bass push without the hassle of popping in extra batteries (looking at you, Monster). Other accolades for the V-80 include a Kevlar-wrapped cable, integrated remote control and microphone, and a "True Blood" exclusive "exoskeleton" protective case with a blood vial zipper.

The True Blood V-80 headphones are available now at the HBO online store and other online retailers for $230.

More pictures of the True Blood V-80s after the break.… Read more

Last year we awarded the V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones high marks for their durable construction, stylish looks, and aural affinity for DJs and fans of dance music, but at the time they were only offered in three colors: gunmetal black, phantom chrome, and white pearl.

Today, V-Moda adds more colors and the option to personalize your design with embellishments that (according to the press release) were "previously only available to select celebrities."

It seems like everything can be customized online--custom dress shirts, custom bicycles, and now custom headphones, thanks to V-Moda.

The company's Crossfade LP active … Read more