A pair of headphones that I wanted to get my hands on last year was the V-MODA M-200 ANC. I been a major fan of the brand and had interest in this ANC model of the M-200s and what it brought to the table even at its relatively high price. But are they worth the amount and upgrading from the Crossfade 2 Wireless?
Style
Like most of V-MODA headphones these feature their CliqFold design. Allowing you to compact them saving on tons of space for tossing in your bag or its included Exoskeleton case. On the head they still provide max comfort thanks to its cushiony memory foam padding. Leather headband is flexible doesn’t give any irritation to the head. Earcups are a nice generous size and look to be bigger than the Crossfade Wireless 2 padding. They are also magnetic and removable if they need swapping for any reason.
These are the first V-MODA headphones to feature a USB-C port for charging and its welcome. There is still a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired connections. Various buttons are featured on the right side such as the power / Bluetooth button, play controls, and ANC. The power / ANC buttons have a nice feel to them while the play controls feel a bit plasticly, mushy and do not have much click. I would have liked them how they are on the Crossfade Wireless 2.
Shields on the M-200 ANC can be unscrewed and swapped if you get one of their custom kits.
Included with the V-MODA ANC is a 3.5mm cable, airplane adapter, USB-C charging cable, and carrying case.
Features / Sound
With these headphones utilizing ANC, V-MODA has an app that allows you to make some customizations. The app has options such as an EQ Tool, ANC controls, and battery level display.
The M-200 ANC state they last 20 hours on a single charge and I say that is about right long as you remember to turn them off. They also don’t have any sensors so if you remove them from your head they will keep playing.
V-MODA has typically utilized 50mm drivers in their headphones, but the M-200 ANC have 40mm drivers with Japanese CCAW voice coils. The sound profile in the M-200 ANCs is an interesting departure compared to the V-MODA Crossfade Wireless 2. It’s less bass and more vocal. Bass is more in the background while the mids are pushed forward. Clarity is good but soundstage may throw you off when coming from headphones such as the Bose 700 or Sony XM4s. I have messed around with the EQ and have kept it on Rock or Hip-Hop. They are thumping more for Pop/EDM-esque than the Hip-Hop / R&B styling.
As per the name these are the first to feature ANC and it shows. While its not bad its not the best. It can block out some noise but being in a loud enough environment such as the subway I take daily it struggles a bit. They also have an ambiance mode of sorts called “Voice In.” Allowing you to take your hand and play it on the left earcup. It works instantly and goes right back to music soon as you remove it.
Experience
So originally, I started using the V-MODA M-200 ANC with my Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 and was plagued with issues from Bluetooth connection issues and the app being horrid never connecting and hard to do updates. So, I put them aside and would go back to them here and there. I gave them one more try over the past month, fired up some updates to the headphones and updated the app and it’s been pleasant. Connection has been stellar via my Pixel 6 Pro and app has synchronized to the headphones with ease allowing me to change EQs and such. I do find it odd you can’t turn the ANC on and off and can only do it via the button on the headphones. Mind you ANC must be toggled on every time you use the M-200 ANCs.
As mentioned, I find the M-200 ANCs to be comfortable for lengthy periods for use and feel great. They do have a snug feel to them like most V-MODA headphones so mileage may vary for some.
Verdict
After giving the V-MODA M-200 ANCs a couple run throughs I feel they have gotten better over time. Build wise they are a sturdy and well-constructed pair of musical cans. You can always expect that from V-MODA. ANC could be better, and its soundstage may not be everyone which has a large emphasis on mids and less on bass. Its relatively high price tag of $449.99(originally $500) may deter some from trying them out though especially with its spotty software.
