Jazwares Star Wars Multi-Device R2-D2 Stereo Headphones

By Jamie Cifuentes

If you're looking for a cheap set of stereo headphones for your kid (who also happens to be a Star Wars fanatic), then this is a perfect set for you. For $19.99 (list), the Jazwares Stars Wars Multi-Device R2-D2 Stereo Headphones offer low-end audio performance with no distortion at high volumes, but that's because you're not getting any real bass. It even has a removable headphone cable, something you just don't see on inexpensive toy headphones.

Design
The white plastic headphones have an R2-D2 slapped on the outside of each earcup and the Star Wars trademark logo in metallic gray on the gray-padded headband. The earpads are lined with metallic faux leather and each have an outer blue plastic cover. They're lightweight, adjustable, and you can fold the ear cups in so they're more compact for travel. A black and red Darth Vader model is also available.

The blue 3.5mm cable has a cheap, flimsy feel to it, but it comes with inline volume controls and?is removable, which is a rare find on inexpensive headphones. Since?most headphone malfunctions come from a faulty cable, you can simply switch it out, without sacrificing the pair.

The headphones have a secure fit, but feel a bit uncomfortable. With extended use, the headphones begin to feel heavy on my ears. You can also expect some sound leakage when you crank up the volume, but again, at $20, that's expected.

Performance
With The Knife's "Silent Shout," our standard bass test track, there was no low-end to speak of, and the audio sounded rubberized. On the other hand, the headphones didn't show any signs of distortion even at maximum, unsafe listening levels. ?In "The Good Left Undone," by Rise Against,?the beginning riffs sounded hollow and the vocals punched through too much, leaving the instruments to sound soft and muddy in the background. There was no impact from the drums and no contrast with other instrumental elements. It was a similar experience with Metallica's "Enter Sandman." The instruments weren't clear or distinct and the bass was nonexistent. However, for the price, you can't expect much. If you want to focus on audio quality over Star Wars appeal and don't mind earphones, the Editors' Choice RHA MA150?earphones offer solid bass response and sound reproduction for the same price as the R2-D2 headphones.

The?Jazwares Star Wars Multi-Device R2-D2 Stereo Headphones seem to be?targeted toward children, who generally aren't audiophiles to begin with, so the not-so-great audio quality, and slightly uncomfortable fit on adult heads is forgivable.?Despite the negatives, the headphones are a decent, inexpensive choice for a kid who's interested in?Star Wars.?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/uqfNyzSNUnw/0,2817,2417382,00.asp

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