Headphone Review: V-Moda Vibrato

V-Moda | In-Ear Monitor | $ 129.00

Step into any Apple Store and you’ll see many shiny headphones wrapped in many types of unique packages. None, however, really match the unique properties that V-Moda does. Mixing sound, style, and comfort, V-Moda really did a great job with the Vibratos. Read on for the full review:

Specifications

Driver: 8 mm Dynamic
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 24 kHz
Impedance: 16 ohms +/- 15%
Sensitivity: Not given

In the Box

V-Moda Vibrato
8 Pairs Silicone Tips (Hybrid Clear: S/M/L; Hybrid Black: S/M/L; XS Clear; XS Black)
Carrying Case
Ear Hooks
Cable Clip

Included with the Vibratos is a nice set of accessories.

Design

V-Moda offers a very stunning, attractive design with the Vibrato in-ears. The black, zinc housings are glossy and shine beautifully while the silver accents complement the black beautifully offering a good contrast to the rest of the housing. A nice cross design is on the back of each housing. The Vibratos are an absolutely beautiful pair of IEMs.

V-Moda knows design, and their hard-cut lines, and modern looks really make these things breathtaking.

Design: ★★★★★

Audio

The Vibratos follow a classic V-shape when it comes to audio signature. It’s a pretty deep V, but not the biggest by far. The IEMs tend to focus more on vocals as well as the low end of the spectrum. Booming bass is coupled with lush vocals and soft treble.

Bass

The low end of the Vibrato is boomy, a little too boomy actually and at times can get a bit out of control. Most of the time, however, it is able to keep its composure and control. Despite this, it rarely will ever intrude upon the rest of the frequencies. Textures go deep and strong with an ample amount of fluidity as well as the large body. The bass is mid-bass driven and provides strong impact that is sure to smack a person left and right.

Bass: ★★★★½

Mids

The midrange offers a warmer, more lush and inviting sound to it. Detailing is pretty good throughout, but could use a spruce up here and there. Clarity is good overall despite the larger sound stage. Vocals are lush and calming with a hint of sweet every now and then. Dynamics are pretty good, but could be better, the same goes for the overall energy in the midrange. Overall, the midrange is lush, relaxing, but also fun and musical.

Mids: ★★★★½

Highs

The highs fit well with the warm, relaxing sound of the Vibrato. They do roll off, but not without a bit of sparkle to them. The highs sparkle, but not in a hard, blaring way, instead, the treble remains very soft with good separation. Sibilance is rare in these, but it does happen. Detailing can be improved in the lower-highs, which is its main weakness.

Highs: ★★★★

Audio: ★★★★½

Build

V-Moda’s most recent offerings are strong in terms of build quality. Included with the Vibratos is a professional-looking, leather pouch that uses the V-Moda V as a design aspect. The case looks high quality and has an additional pouch inside for additional accessories or a small MP3 player.

The included case is leather and professional.

The housings are made of a zinc alloy, that said, they are strong. They feel strong, and they even look strong with their industrial designs. The housings are a good amount of heft to them without being too heavy. I do wish the strain reliefs were a little bigger on them as they seem a little small for the weight of the housings.

The housings are made of zinc and extremely tough.

The cable is a braided, Kevlar enforced cable. It does have a slight tendancy to tangle, but if you use the included case and wrap them up correctly, they’ll withstand. The cable is strong and durable as well.

The cable is strong, and the cable clip helps reduce microphonics.

At the end of the cable is the headphone jack. The headphone jack uses a strong rubber that is flexible as well. It has been angled to 45 degrees which is good for durability.

A strong, angled headphone jack terminates the well-built cable.

Build: ★★★★½

Comfort

Despite using strong metals in the housings, these housings remain relatively light for day to day use. If inserted properly, they will not fall out. That said, they can also be worn up or down. Included are some sport ear-hooks if you plan on wearing them up. The ear-hooks are comfortable and do their job.

The earhooks don’t ruin the style of the housings.

A set of 8 tips are included, four sets clear, four sets black. Of each of these sets, 3 pairs are hybrid while the forth XS-sized tip is not. Each hybrid tip is color coded to denote its size.

8 Pairs of tips are included to ensure a good fit.

Comfort: ★★★★★

Value

These IEMs come in around 130 dollars. They are within the right price range and priced competitively. Are they the best you can get for 130 dollars? Well, not really, but they do fare well for themselves. The blending of a beautiful design, great audio and build; all topped off with amazing comfort make these things worth they money.

If you have a smartphone, or iPod, the remote and mic will be of good value.

Value: ★★★★½

Final Thoughts

V-Moda’s Vibratos take everything V-Moda wants to do and does it right. It has good sound coupled with a strong build and outstanding comfort. As with any V-Moda product, the design aspects are fun, sharp, but professional.

I’d like to thank Matt for the review sample.

Overall Score

V-Moda Vibrato

† All prices are in US currency.
This review was written by the iFans.com Review Team. Cumulative scores are rounded to the nearest half or full star.
This accessory, product, or app was received as a sample. Thanks Matt for the product sample.

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