Simple Living

Audio Technica M50x Headphones Review: A Strong Contender for Your Only Pair If you're only going to own one pair of headphones, I’d highly recommend choosing either the Audio Technica M50x or the Sony MDR-V6 . Both models deliver impressive sound quality, durability, and a great design. The Sony MDR-V6 is about half the price of the M50x, and I plan to buy a pair soon to see how they compare. The online reviews for the V6 are consistently positive, often compared side-by-side with the M50 for overall quality. M50 Variants: M50, M50s, M50x The M50 line offers three different versions, which can be confusing at first: M50 : The original model with a 10 ft. coiled cable M50s : Features a 10 ft. straight cable M50x : The latest model, with three interchangeable cables (10 ft. coiled, 10 ft. straight, and 4 ft. straight) The M50x’s 4 ft. cable is ideal for portable devices like my iPhone. This updated version was likely designed with portability in mind, making it more versatile for d...

Audio Technica EQ500 Headphones Review I picked up a pair of Audio Technica EQ500s while in Shibuya for about $10 USD in yen—a solid deal for the price. These headphones perform quite well considering their affordability. In hindsight, though, I probably should have gone for the EQ700 model. The EQ700 offers the convenient feature of retractable audio cables, similar to the WM77s, which I find really useful for travel and storage. Basic Specs Driver Size: 28mm Frequency Response: 16–24,000 Hz Max Input Power: 40 mW Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW Impedance: 20 Ohms Weight: 22g Cable Length: 1.2m Overall, the EQ500 is a practical and affordable choice, especially for casual listening.

My Headphone Collection (As of 2014) My headphone collection is modest but steadily growing. As of 2014, I own five headphones—not counting ear buds, which I have in abundance, including the standard ones that come with the iPhone. Here’s a breakdown of my current lineup and past models. Current Collection Audio Technica ATH-M50x (White) Audio Technica ATH-WM77 (Red) Audio Technica ATH-EQ500 (Green) Sony MDR-ZX100 (White) Skullcandy Hesh Gen1 (Black) Past Headphones (Sold or Broken) Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Gen 1 (White) Skullcandy TI Skullcandy LowRyders Each set has its own unique place in my collection, offering different qualities and designs that make them memorable. Audio Technica ATH-M50x (White) Audio Technica ATH-WM77 (Red) Audio Technica ATH-EQ500 (Green) Sony MDR-ZX100 (White) Skullcandy Hesh Gen1 (Black)   Beats by Dr Dre Studio Gen 1 (White) 

Sony MDR-ZX100 Headphones Review The Sony MDR-ZX100 headphones were a bit of an impulse buy. They were selling for just $20 at a local store, and since I didn’t have any headphones on hand, I decided to pick them up to enjoy some music. Now, for $20 headphones, it’s fair not to expect too much—but these actually sound decent and get the job done. One notable plus is the build quality. Sony seems to have improved the durability on their budget headphones over time. Having owned several cheap Sony models before, I can say these feel the sturdiest. The plastic used is surprisingly strong and flexible, with a headband that has a feel more like injection-molded resin than typical low-cost plastic. However, if I were to make this purchase again, I’d likely go for the Sony MDR-V6 at $80, or even the mid-tier MDR-ZX300, which has an upgraded, gold-plated 1/8" plug. But for those times when you only need a simple, affordable pair, the MDR-ZX100 is an okay choice. Basic Specs Drivers: 30mm...

A Journey Through Inexpensive Timepieces In the early days of my watch journey, I gravitated towards inexpensive quartz, automatics, and digitals. Back then, I had little knowledge about watches, and as I've grown in my understanding and taste, I've sold off all of my 'starter' watches. Here’s a look back at some of those pieces that played a role in my watch journey. Fossil Chronograph The Fossil Chronograph was one of the most difficult watches for me to part with. Despite its size being a bit too large for my preference, I appreciated its cream-colored dial paired with a brown leather strap. I loved wearing it on a NATO strap, as it gave off a unique steampunk vibe. It taught me a lot about style and design, and I dreamt of someday owning a higher-end piece like a Vacheron Patrimony or a Jaeger-LeCoultre Annual Calendar . Black Dial Seiko 5 The Black Dial Seiko 5 was a significant watch in my collection, serving as a precursor to the Rolex Explorer I . It ...

My Journey with the Emporio Armani AR585 Watch A Meaningful Gift I received the Emporio Armani AR585 watch as a gift, and it holds a special place in my collection. This large timepiece, reminiscent of the Breguet Type XX , has a unique presence. Originally, it came on a heavy stainless steel bracelet, but the lack of micro-adjustments meant I had to wear it a bit loose, which wasn't ideal for comfort. Finding the Right Strap I first experimented with a black leather strap, but I eventually discovered that a brown leather strap was far more appealing to me. I opted for a deployment clasp, which not only enhances the watch’s look but also makes it more practical. Overall, the AR585 has become my go-to casual and semi-formal watch. Sentimental Value While it features a quartz movement, the sentimental value of the watch makes it priceless to me. It currently stands as my second oldest watch in a modest collection. My appreciation for chronographs is evident, and until I can acquire ...