Introduction
V-Moda is one of the prominent brands on Head-Fi that got into Bluetooth early when audiophiles were still very insistent on on wired. Despite AptX and Kleer proprietary wireless protocols were available, not many brands adopted and stuck to SBC for their consumer-grade models.
V-Moda released the Crossfade Wireless (CFW1) back in 2015 focused primarily on getting the wired and wireless to sound as close as possible to each other. They did a highly commendable job however the CFW1 were not without some criticism such has no CliqFold (especially when the M100 had had it for a few years effort then), and intermittent disconnect issues from the source phone/device.
The Crossfade 2 Wireless (CF2W) came in 2017 with AptX support (
only with the Rose Gold!) and with the CliqFold. This made quite a few fans happier however iPhone/iPad (iOS) users remained isolated with the lack of AAC support.
In 2018, V-Moda released the Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition (Codex). This filled in the gap allowing iOS users to enjoy the superiority of AAC protocol over SBC.
Construction and Comfort
The Codex edition is no different from the CF2W Std from its looks and construction. In fact I needed a way to mark and distinguish between the two (yes I got the same colours, and no, I don't have any customised shields).
It is beautifully constructed and durable especially the yoke and CliqFold. However there are some weak points in the cups such as the volume and control buttons do feel a little flimsy.
Both the Codex and the CF2W differ from the original CFW1 that both newer models have the XL pads by default & CliqFold, whilst the original CFW1 had the standard pads and regular pre-M100 non-CliqFold headband.
Therefore in terms of how the Codex feels over the head, it's about the same as the CF2W Std. The clamping force is tight with little chance of the headphone falling off from my head. Further with the XL pads, they are a little more comfortable than the CFW1 standard pads.
This is a full sized superaural headphones however for my ears, they are more supraaural with the earpads sitting on my ears. As such isolation is average. I can definitely hear external ambient noise leaking in however I assume not as much leaks out. I can hear wind noise when I'm walking in the street. It doesn't bother me as much when I'm no the move as I do like to be aware of my surroundings.
Whist in summer the headphone can feel warm, they make great musical earmuffs during winter.
Bluetooth Connectivity
I've not been able to to find the Bluetooth version yet however I've not had any disconnect issues even with my iPhone X in my back pocket whereas previously with the CFW1 I could get disconnected occasionally depending on how far I place my iPhone from the headphone.
Codec Comparison with the other V-Moda Wireless
Note, the codec connection on iOS can be checked and confirmed via the XCode device logs.
1) iPhone X - CFW1 SBC vs Codex AAC on FLAC Onkyo Hi-Res Player
The CFW1 sounded to have a somewhat more mids recessed compared to the Codex. The CFW also has a somewhat more boomy bass. The Codex did sound more airy however. The difference in resolution from the codec differences is quite noticeable. However I feel the tonal difference is primarily due to the difference in earpads between the CFW1 and Codex. A reminder that the CFW1 has the standard pads from M-100 days whilst the Codex has the XL styled pads, and pads do make a difference to frequency response.
2) iPhone X - CF2W SBC vs Codex AAC on FLAC Onkyo Hi-Res Player
This is where I think we have a closer comparison since both should essentially be the same except for the difference in codec connection to the iOS device.
- The Codex had a bigger thump in the bass region.
- The Codex still seems to sound a little more mid-rich compared to the CF2W, which is a little surprising to me. I did not think a codec difference would have such an effect on tonal response.
- Percussions are a little more distinctive on the Std (SBC) version, but overall music sounds less smooth (most noticeable in vocals) and more brittle in the treble/percussions, presumably due to the codec differences.
- The Codex did have an added clarity over the CF2W which is where also where I believe is the difference in codecs.
3) iPhone X - CF2W SBC vs Codex AAC on 256k AAC lossy Music Player
Maybe it's me, but with lossy source, it's a little bit more difficult to distinguish between codecs. The difference in codec is still there however not as big compared to lossless.
4) iMac Pro - CF2W AptX vs Codex AptX on ALAC iTunes
Remember the Codex still keeps the AptX support therefore in theory there should be no difference between the CF2W AptX vs the Codex AptX however :-
- There's some kind of channel imbalance on the CF2W with AptX vs the Codex edition with same AptX. Hard to do a comparison with the Std having a slightly lower volume on the left channel vs the right.
5) Sony NW-WM1Z CF2W AptX vs Codex AptX
So I was able to use another AptX supported device to compare the CF2 W AptX vs the Codex AptX. I whipped out my Sony NW-WM1Z and paired with both headphones. To my ears, they sound identical.
6) Codex Wireless vs Wired
I hear tonal shift where the Codex FR leans more towards a neutral (but not completely neutral) stance compared to wireless AAC. There is a little more upper mids/lower treble presence, and a little added clarity in presentation. Overall though I -think- I hear a slightly more open sounDstage in wired mode.
Compared to other Bluetooth Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM3
The headphones here are cupped differently. For my ears, the WH-1000XM3 is circumaural whilst the Codex (and other V-Moda full-sized cans) are supraaural.
The WH-1000XM3 are lighter, have swivel cups, and lighter clamping force. Overall the 1000XM3 feels more comfortable on my head for long term use.
The WH-1000XM3 has a few other features over the Codex such as LDAC (in addition to AptX and AAC), and noise cancellation (3 mode settings: ambient sound control on, ambient sound control off, noise cancellation).
Totally they are different. Where the Codex maintain the V-Moda house signature sound, the WH-1000XM3 has a more typical HiFi-ish balanced sound. To me the WH-1000XM3 is a little U-shaped with mellow mids, whilst the Codex has as stronger & clearer mids and neutral treble.
The WH-1000XM3 midbass seems similar to the Codex, however the Codex has more sub-bass impact.
The WH-1000XM3 feels more spacious whilst Codex is more holographic headroom wise.
Master & Dynamic MW50
Like the Sony the MW50 is circumaural. The sliding cups were really stiff to adjust (maybe it was just with the demo unit I tried). Going back 'n forth between the MW50 and Codex, my first thought was "Where's the bass!?". The MW50 did have nice percussions however.
Beyerdynamic Aventho
In Japan the Aventho is like 50% more expensive than the Codex. It's supraaural like the Codex. Tonally, the Aventho sounded a little weird, like the lower mids a little suppressed. Vocals sounded a little nasally.
B&W PX
I don’t even want to talk about it...
Conclusion
The Crossfade 2 Wireless Codex Edition is the headphone V-Moda should have released last year as the (almost) all encompassing headphone. It still lacks LDAC however that protocol is not as widely used as AAC and AptX. Regardless, it is finally here and V-Moda has a pair of wireless headphones for both iOS and Android users to enjoy listening at enhanced protocols. It's definitely a welcoming model and for those who don't have a V-Moda wireless but want to enjoy the V-Moda house sound, the Codex is the way to go.
However if one already has the V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless of 2017 with their Android phone, IMHO there is little reason to upgrade unless one intends to support iOS devices too.
As with all other V-Moda Crossfade headphones, wired or not, the Codex is as sturdy and durable and beautifully finished. Whilst I've not taken advantage of the customised shields, it is comforting to know that aesthetically it can be personalised.
The Codex is an obvious choice for those who like the V-Moda signature sound.