FEATURES & BUILD: EDD’S TAKE
The M-100′s feature a cable connection on each ear cup, meaning you can plug the cable into whichever side suits you, or you can have a cable in each side – connected to different sources. This is a very nice touch!

Not such a nice touch is a new locking mechanism, which I see no point for. This lock is not actually used on any of the included cables, it’ll probably be for the optional coiled cable (similar to the SoundMAGIC HP100). Also like the HP100 this means that almost no other cables will fit, even though it’s a standard 3.5mm terminal underneath. Being stuck with the the V-Moda cables is not ideal. The main, orange ‘one button’ cable here is hard, tangles easily and is prone to scratchy cable noise.

This M-100 model came with two other cables. A ‘SharePlay’ cable (which the final production model will include), this allows you to connect another pair of headphones to it and as the name suggests you can share your music with a friend, another nice touch!. The second cable is called a ‘Boom Pro Mic’ cable, which is a cable that includes a microphone on a bendable stalk next to the headphone connection. This could be a nice touch for those wanting to do some gaming or skype calls with the M-100. Unfortunately this one is not included for free with the final production M-100. Both of these cables were 2m long, a nicer length for desktop use. They also felt nicer than the ‘standard’ 1.3m cable, tangling much less easily and were smoother to the touch – creating less noise against clothing as a result.

The included hard-case is great, it’s really small and the headphones can even be fitted in there without detaching the cable. There is even room for another spare cable and the adaptor. Considering that this case is actually smaller than the one for the M-80  while the headphones themselves are so much bigger is really quite special. The folding mechanism and those hinges really work well and make a very satisfying click when unfolded.

The Construction of the M-100, like all V-Moda headphones, is really impressive. There is a lot of metal here and even with the added hinge for the folding mechanism, there is little to take issue with. The M-100′s feel like they could go through a war unaffected, hey maybe they can because they do pass military grade durability testing.

FEATURES & BUILD: JULIUS’ TAKE
I admit, I am shocked and appalled by the color choices used in my V-Moda M-100.  I made a huge mistake and asked for the White on Silver Edition.  I think the other choices look much nicer.  Mine looks like an oxidized Egg Shell or a piece of white leather that was tossed into the dirt, casually dusted off and then given to me.  In my opinion, the White balance is poor and I am not at all fond of it.  It looks dirty and very used.  Kind of like a dull version of what you would think it should be. 

The Headband is not a vibrant white like I had hoped it would be.  It is actually significantly more dull than how it appeared in my dreams for the past few months.  The Earcups and the custom artwork I was given also suffer from intense Dullness.  Words cannot express how upset I am over this.  My original Artwork was colored in jet black and a pure white.  What I received was closer to grey than white foreground with very clear shading markings in an area that were solid white on the image file that was sent in. Upsetting.  I hope V-Moda does not do this to others who pay extra for this custom artwork option.  If I had paid, I’d ship these right back to V-Moda and insist that the colors are fixed and properly balanced.  The cables are Silver as well, but again a dull lifeless tone.  They are a totally different shade than the Earcups and do not match any color pattern on the Headphone, the Box or the Case.

V-Moda still has not fixed the “kinking” issues.  Just like the M-100s little brother, the M-80, it too has a problem with rolling back onto itself and creating a small annoying knot.  It’s a minor gripe, but over time I foresee it causing damage to the cables innards.  While on the subject of the Cables included, overall they are immensely dissatisfying to me.  Val, what the heck were you thinking?! Still no regular and standard interconnect without Buttons? This is the first of a few Red Flags that should tell you this Headphone is not meant to be taken seriously as Audiophile Grade. I would like a standard interconnect with nothing on it, as I am never going to use any of these volume or microphone features. 

I received two different cables.  One that is a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm with a large lumpy volume button that is oddly placed.   I must say, I enjoy the Ridley Scott Alien inspired looking head of V-Moda plug adapters.  (Sennheiser had a similar shaping in their MX-980 Earbuds, but took it a step beyond and actually designed it to function as both a straight plug styling as well as angled via a simple twist of the plug itself. ) They are slightly misshapen and oddly angled, reminiscent of the monsters head from those movies.  The other cable is by far the ugliest, most strange interconnect I have ever laid my eyes upon.  One end is a standard 3.5mm, the other is also a standard 3.5mm male end but with a large 3.5mm female end sticking out of it.  My gosh!  It is so ugly.  Despite it’s lack of a handsome appeal, it is very practical.  You can plug another headphone in and listen to the same source with two separate headphones at the same time.  If you enjoy being close to someone who is headbanging to their tunes, then you will love this cable.  Hopefully, they took a shower before getting that close to you before randomly plugging in their headphones into your cable.  I really love the dual sided entry option, being able to pick which side the cable runs into is something every headphone manufacturer should start using in their design.  

The Case is pretty neat and hey would you look at that, it is actually Whiter than the headphones themselves.  Tisk, Tisk.  The Case Zipper trim is an authentic White, the outer Shell is dingy and the inside is a dull Red.  Seriously….why is Dullness such a theme in this M-100 package? Despite the lack luster color scheme the case is very nice.  It feels rock solid and is very pretty.  The Headphones fold up nicely and with a loud click.   Thankfully, they fit inside the provided case very snug and tight.  Last thing I want are my headphones to slide around inside their protective case.  The box is gorgeous, as always.  V-Moda should give a raise to whoever designs their boxes.  They are really great and come sealed with a piece of fabric that locked the box shut.  You need to cut it open to get at the headphones and inside awaits a slue of V-Moda Promotions and business related printed materials.  

Final thoughts on the next page…