Customer Reviews

V-MODA Vibe II In-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone with Universal One-Button Mic (Nero)

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

I was an owner of the previous version of these headphones, the Vibe Duo. Unfortunately, 3 days after the warranty expired, the right earpiece began to cut in and out. This was not entirely uncommon with the Vibe Duos as the earliest version had a straight audio jack that was prone to wearing out quickly. However, I was still very happy with those and decided to try the newer model, the Vibe II, which includes a modified audio jack that is less susceptible to damage.

Overall, this newer version is superior to the Vibe Duos. The sound seems to be a bit fuller and they seem to block outside noise a bit better. Although they do not block out everything, I was now able to hear some more detail in softer songs while in loud environments than with the Vibe Duos.

The improved audio jack, which is now at about a 90 degree angle, fits much better in my pants pocket and hopefully will last longer than a year. The cloth cable is also different, and while it does seem to get tangled quite a bit, it does add a unique look to the headphones that I can appreciate.

The earpieces themselves feel very solid but are very heavy. I have a tendency to drape them over my neck after I'm done using them, and the heavier earpieces cause them to weigh down on one side and I find myself having to continually adjust them. Not a big deal, just a difference I've noted.

My one complaint would be with the call button. Instead of it being attached to the mic like on the previous model, it is now a separate button located on the piece where the left and right headphone cables join. The button itself is only on the front of the joining piece and is covered in rubber. However, it can be pretty difficult to press it, as hitting the lower part of the button doesn't register as well as the upper part. Also, if you ever wear the cord under your shirt, it is a total crapshoot in finding the front of the button as it has a tendency to get twisted around. I'm sure with time I will get better at using it, but right now, it takes a bit of fumbling to get it right.

Durability is still a concern of mine. I was wearing the headphones in a light drizzle the other day and using the mic on a call. After a few minutes, the person I was talking to told me they could no longer hear me. It seems a bit of water got into the mic, and it took me actually sucking on the microphone a few times to fix the issue. Although I don't walk in the rain that much, I have done that with both the Vibe Duos and the Apple headphones without incident. So, the lesson here is to avoid letting any amount of water get near the microphone.

Overall, the complaints I have with the Vibe II are minor. The sound quality is a huge improvement over the included iPhone Apple earbuds and a marginal one over the Vibe Duos. The aesthetics are truly great, and the included call button/mic make it a great match for the iPhone. As an aside, the call button will only work with the newer Apple products and not other phones or MP3 players. Also, it is compatible with the recessed jack on the original iPhone models (non-3G).

Although a bit pricey, they are worth the price if you're looking for great sound and a unique look with the addition of the call button/mic which has become a necessity when using the iPhone.

I would recommend to everyone to STAY AWAY from all V-Moda products and specifically these headphones, as I have had these for less than 3 months and they no longer play out of one of the ears. This is not the biggest issue I have with them however. I tried to file a warranty claim and was told that since I purchased them through amazon at a discounted price that the warranty was voided and I am out of luck. They refused to provide any resolution of any kind. Not only are there products poorly made, but they refuse to stand behind there product.

I bought the first pair 6 months ago, I must admit the sound quality is ear blasting. But, 3 months later the left ear-bud stopped working, could hear NOTHING. Went to the store and they replaced it with a new pair (cudos for the Apple store in Ardmore). They actually offered me to pick a different brand, but I insisted - since I liked the sound quality.

A Month go by, and the right ear-bud of my second pair cracked open like an egg, I applied some crazy glue and moved on.
Few weeks go by, the left ear-bud is not working 50% of the time and when it does work, it distorts the sound.
Went back to the store, but they refuse to replace/compensate, instead they told me to contact V-Moda customer support. V-Moda guys want a proof I purchased the product, I tossed the receipt a long time ago, now I'm stuck with a 120$ worth worth headphones I cannot use...

DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!

Guys, DO NOT make the mistake I did and buy these phones. The sound is AWESOME! I first bought these to replace the worthless earbuds that came with my iPhone and was immediately impressed by how they were able to reduce the ambient noise of the mall. Matter of fact, I had to turn my iPhone volume down as it was way too loud. As someone who rides the train for over two hours every day and programs for a living, I enjoy the ability to eliminate ambient noise. Headphones are not a luxury for me; they're a necessity.

So...why only one star? They're simply not durable. I bought these buds two days before Thanksgiving of '08. Within a month, the right earbud (there will be a theme there) would literally fall apart and I had to snap it back together over and over again. I was going to glue it together when the fabric chord, which seems so well made, started fraying on me. I took it back and got another pair.

A month later, the right ear bud (hmmmm...noticing a pattern here) just stopped working. It wasn't a gradual type thing either. Just one day, no sound. The Apple store I bought them from advised me to simply take my money back and if I instead replaced them, they wouldn't replace them again and I'd have to go through V-Moda for any future problems. Like a dope, I got a replacement.

Sure enough, about a week ago (hey, isn't that about a month later?) the right earbud (yeah, more than a pattern here) cut out on me again. No warnings. No in and out. It just stopped working like someone cut the chord. Sure enough, Apple said, "We told you so. Go get your rebate through V-Moda".

With these buds, it's not a matter of "if" they'll die, but "when". I now have to pay to ship these guys back to V-Moda and I have no idea when they'll return them. Doesn't matter. I'm buying a different brand and will simply sell the replacements on eBay.

I'd like to give it more stars because they're super headphones and do everything I want them to do...when they work. But I can't recommend a pair of headphones that I KNOW will break! Let the buyer beware!!!

These came in a package that looked like it was designed by Apple. Black matte finish, clear windows, even magnets to hold it shut. However, when I tried to open it, I found it nearly impossible to remove the headphones, and I had to completely destroy the packaging in the process. Make sure you have a strong light and a good pair of kitchen shears for that one. (Hint: If something isn't coming out, look for tiny, almost hair-thin ties that hold things into the plastic. )

After they are removed from the packaging, they look like a nice, high-end product. I was concerned about the appearance because the picture makes them look like big earrings, but luckily they are pretty unobtrusive when tucked into the ear canals. I have the black ones, so if you want them to show more there is a red version available that is more eye catching.

They come with four different sizes of ear cushions in both black and clear, but I found the default medium size ones seem to fit me just fine. Everyone is different though, so it is nice to see a wide range of sizes. I do think it is interesting that they provided two colors, as they really don't show once they are in the ear, and otherwise seem to be the same. I suppose they are really just backups, which is nice because they are small and easy to lose.

A simple leather case with a snap closure is included, which is important to store the extra ear tips in. It has a mesh divider, so the ear tips can go on one side and the phones on the other, though it is a tight fit. The leather is soft and feels good in the hand.

The microphone is separated from the push to talk button, which surprised me at first, but I think it is a good idea. By separating the two, the mike can be placed near your mouth, while the button is further down for easier reach. The cable is thin, and wrapped in fabric which keeps it from getting tangled. All my other headphones seem to form balls of twine pretty quickly, so this is a good feature. There is some cable noise, as with all noise-isolating phones, but there is a small clip provided that helps steady the cable and minimize the effect. The plug is very different from that of the first version of the Vibe headphones, which had many reports of wire shorts. That problem seems to have been fixed, and now the wire comes out at an angle, with a fairly long strain relief.

So how do they sound? Good! I have three sets of headphones: the one that came with my iPhone, the new premium in-ear Apple pair, and now this one. The one that came with the phone is great for taking calls because the phones don't cut off too much sound from the outside world. That makes talking more natural, but hurts the sound quality for music. The premium Apple phones are noise isolating, so they aren't as good for calls, but have a nice, flat response for music. The Vibe II phones are also noise-isolating, so they are better for music. The music has an emphasis on the lower mid-bass, but not so much that it sounds boomy. While not as accurate as the Apple in-ears, it is a very pleasant sound.

Overall, these are a very nice alternative to the Apple in-ear phones. They have a fabric-wrapped cable to keep them tangle-free, a nice simple carry case, and good sound isolation. On the other hand, they typically run for about 40-50 dollars more money than the Apple phones, which I'm not convinced is worth it. So, I'll recommend them, provided you can get them for a decent price compared to the Apple equivalent.

Sean P. Logue, 2009

These are probably the best sounding ear buds around. I have many other brands that are similar but these are the best by far. I mostly use them for my ipod but sometimes my laptop and in either case the sound really is clear and crisp. I find that most ear buds are good with highs but not the low tones. These however have a decent thump to them for those heavy bass songs.

The packaging was a bit difficult to get the buds out of. It reminded me of those toys that have 100 twist ties in them that you have to undo before you can get to the item. The buds come with 4 size rubber ear pieces both in black and clear. It also comes with a nice little pouch/case and these rubber hooks that you thread the wires and buds in to fit over your ears so they don't fall out. I think these are made for people who run/exercise which was a great bonus because ear buds fall out when you work out...lol

These particular buds come with a mic and a button that lets you pick up a call. I think they are for the iphone (don't have one) so I couldn't test that feature out. The wires/cables are wrapped in a braided fabric which is another great feature because they don't get all tangled and knotted.

Although, the headphones are stainless steel and are metal, they still have a light weight, they felt comfortable and again the sound was perfect. There are other similar models out there by competitors but stick to these, you'll be happy, they are worth the price!

Pros:
too many to list

Cons:
NONE

I have the orginal V-modas and they were awesome, I could work out in them and they sounded great. I read reviews saying these were heavy and thought they can't be that heavy...wrong! These are not good for working out or doing much, the cable is short and it creates noise when touching clothing. The cables are sturdy and tough but that's about it. The ear pieces look bad and like someone painted in the color. They are extremely heavy and with the mic being on the right side it makes everything feel one sided in weight! Everything is HEAVY! Not sure why you would use these for anything! My ears are mid size and I've dealt with Ultimate ears and V-moda. The sound is good just like the original Moda's but I can't use them for anything and the wife, whom I orginally bought these for, has a iphone but she's so tiny the ear buds weigh more than her so it's $150 loss. I told her to send them to me and figure I could save them but as you've read these things are not practical for any application except sitting on the couch with your iphone. Get the original's which have a cheaper cable for working out or just listening and honestly mine have head held up for yrs during intense workouts, I've switched to Ultimate Ears just for the wrap around function but the sound is more appealing with my V-modas. Bottom line is don't buy these, there's absolutely no reason. I enjoy Vibes sound but WTF!

Bought on Amazon through GSI December 1, 2010
Broke May 1, 2011.

This is the email from V-Moda:

Dave, Unfortunately, headphones purchased through GSI, Inc are not covered by our warranty. However, if you would like to return your headphones through our Replay Replacement Program, we will be happy to offer you a 50% discount on a new pair of headphones from shop.v-moda.com

Let us know if you are interested!

Rock on,
V-MODA Customer Service

Improvements over previous generations:

1. The jack is now offset so pushing and pulling to plug and unplug won't unseat the plastic from around the sheath of the cabling
2. Better bass response than Vibe original
3. The over the ear plastic is great for me. I don't like the fully molded ones, and my ear canals are small enough that almost no in the ear headset will stay in there. The over the ear piece helps a lot with that.

On the downside:

1. They seem a tad bit larger
2. They don't fit in the included pouch as well, at all, as previous versions if you use the over the ear clips.
3. I'm not "astounded" by the improvement in sound quality.

A side note-- on my previous version of Vibe 1-- I ran them through the washing machine and they still worked fine. That says a lot about a product! I think I'll avoid trying to prove that on these, but still... good to know.

V-Moda's are usually great headphones. However... my experience with this pair has been a nightmare. I purchased them through Amazon; they were sold by Sound Around, Inc. When they arrived, the microphone was defective, not working. I attempted a return through Amazon -- no luck, because it wasn't their fault. Ok, this makes sense. But... a quick trip to V-Moda's website reveals a hard-to-find list of retailers whose V-Moda products are not eligible for the manufacturer warranty. Sound Design, Closeout Masters, etc. -- several listings on Amazon are excluded (in fine print) from warranty coverage. So, a word to the wise... before buying anything here, check out V-Moda's warranty page on their website to see if the reseller listed above is blacklisted. Otherwise, you might get stuck (like me) with a busted pair of 'phones and no one who will back them up. What a waste of time and money.