LabTec has a reputation as a quality manufacturer of PC peripherals, but I primarily bought these headphones because of the price. At $5.00 USD, they were perfect for my pocketbook, and would suit my needs. I was going to use the Note-502's to plug myself into my PC as not to bother anyone else in the house while editing video. But after buying a BenQ Joybee MP3 player for our 4-year old, and finding that her little ears were too small for earbuds, I gave her these LabTec Note-502's for her musical listening pleasure. I test-drove the Note-502 headphones, and here's what I found:
SOUND QUALITY and PERFORMANCE
For use with a PC, whether you're a gamer, listening to web-radio, or just editing video footage like me, you will find the LabTec Note-502's to be of sound quality (pun intended). This should come as no surprise, as LabTec has had many years of experience producing PC speakers and headphones as well as headsets and other PC peripherals. Sound is clear and only fractionally distorted at very high volume levels.
When using the Note-502's with the BenQ Joybee MP3 player, I found the results were surprisingly pleasing. The sound quality was at least as good on the Note-502 headphones as it was with the included BenQ earbuds. Headphones have traditionally provided fuller sound than earbuds simply due to their size and ability to cover the whole ear and block out outside noise. The LabTec Note-502's are not a full-sized headphone (they don't completely cover the ear), but they do block out a considerable amount of sound for a foam earpad PC-style headphone set. When used with the Joybee MP3 player, the sound is again clear, and the bass is much more noticeable than with the BenQ earbuds. Sound is crisp and clear, and again, is only fractionally distorted at high volume levels.
FIT AND COMFORT
The arms of the headphones extend to adjust for a comfortable fit, and should easily accomodate many head shapes and sizes (they fit my little girl well, and suit my bigger head too). Earpads are covered in a soft foam pad, and are replaceable according to LabTec. These headphones fit snug but not too tight, and are secure enough to wear while mobile (I haven't jogged in them, but walking, bike riding, and traveling with laptop have all been successful).
SPECIFICATIONS and WHAT YOU GET
The LabTec Note-502 headphones provide 30 mm drivers, an impedance level of 32 ohms, and frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz. Included in the package is an adaptor plug to convert the 1/8" plug to 1/4", and the Note-502's have a nice long 8 foot cord with a built-in volume control.
FEATURES
The cord mounted volume control provides convenience when using a distance away from your PC or audio device. The earpads on the headphones fold inwards (to a flat position) for easy storage when not in use. The earpads are also covered in soft foam, which is said by the company to be replaceable. WEAR and TEAR
I've had these Note-502 headphones for a few months now, and they are mostly used by my pre-schooler. If you have kids, then you know that kids are tough on most things, and destructive when it comes to electronics. The LabTec Note-502 headphones have not yet snapped, cracked, or broken in any way, and my kids is not the gentle type. These are pretty tough headphones.
BOTTOM LINE
If you are looking for a good multi-purpose headphone at a cheap price point, then consider the LabTec Note-502. The sounds quality is excellent for the money, and you won't be disappointed at the overall build and design. Plus, at this price, if you break or lose them, you won't be heartbroken.