V-moda Vibe II review (Nero)

The Vibe II is available in two color options: Nero, which is black with chrome accents, and Chrome/Rouge, which is silver with reddish orange accents. The overall design--from the funky, dual-colored earpieces to the fabric-coated cable--looks good and feels durable. V-moda includes a basic carrying pouch to keep your investment looking good, as well as silicone ear tips ranging from extra-small to large in both black and clear versions. We had no problems achieving a secure and comfortable fit; although all the metal makes the earbuds heavy, the integrated shirt clip and optional earclips included in the package help with that issue. Still, some users may find the weight and clips bothersome (plus, the clips add bulk to the otherwise low-profile style).

If you can get a good fit with the V-moda Vibe II, you'll be rewarded with good audio quality and impressive sound isolation. However, there is a noticeable amount of noise produced by the cable rubbing across your body, an unintended side effect of a great seal with the ear. This combined with the weight issue make the earphones an unsuitable choice for active pursuits. The Vibe II is also not the best option for anyone who doesn't want deep, all-encompassing bass. The earphones are heavy on the low end, but we experienced no issues with distortion and mids still sounded rich and lovely. High-end details do have a tendency to get lost, so these may not be the best bet for those who want the most crystal clear playback. Still, we were satisfied with performance on the whole. No doubt they are a step up from the set that came with your MP3 player or iPhone.