Simple Living

If you are going to own only one pair of headphones buy either the Audio Technica M50x or the Sony MDR-V6 .  They are the best bang for the buck in terms of sound quality, durability and overall aesthetics.  The Sony V6 are half the price and I plan to purchase them to compare them against the M50.  I am relying on all the positive reviews online about the Sony V6's that are constantly compared with the AT M50. M50x, M50s, M50 - Three Variants It can get confusing, but there are three distinct variants of Audio Technica M50 headphones: M50 - is the original and has a 10 ft. coiled cable M50s - has a 10 ft. straight cable M50x - allows for interchanging of cables and comes standard with three (3) cable options (10 ft. coiled, 10 ft. straight and 4 ft. straight). The M50x is the newest version of the M50 model and was likely made with a nod to portable devices.  The 4 ft. cable is perfect for my iPhone. Original M50 vs M50x The M50 w/ 10 ft coiled cable being sold is

I purchased a pair of Audio Technica EQ500's in Shibuya for about $10 USD in Yen.  They are quite good for the price.  In hindsight, I should have purchased the EQ700's that can retract the audio cables just like the WM77's.  I find that quite convenient.  Basic Specs: 28mm Driver 16 ~ 24,000 Hz 40 mW -- Max Input Power 103 db/mW -- Sensitivity 20 Ohm Impedence 22g -- Weight 1.2m -- Cable Length

I own a modest, but growing collection of Headphones.  As of 2014, I own five (5) headphones (I exclude ear buds, which I have about a half dozen, including the standard ear buds that come with the iPhone). In no particular order: 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 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) 

The Sony MDR-ZX100 were an impulse buy.  They were selling for $20 at a local store and I picked them up as I didn't have any headphones and wanted to listen to some music.  Don't expect much for $20 headphones.  These sound okay and do the job.  One nice thing that I must compliment Sony is the overall improvement in the build quality of their cheap headphones.  I've owned several cheap Sony headphones and by far these are the best in terms of durability.  The plastic feels strong and flexible and in some ways the headband feels more like some kind of injection molded resin than cheap plastic.  But, if I could do it all over again...I would prefer to buy the Sony MDR-V6 for $ 80...or if you must get the mid-tier MDR-ZX300 as those use an upgraded gold plated 1/8" plug.  Still, for those situations where you only need or want a basic pair of headphones...the ZX100 is an okay choice. Basic Specs: 30mm Drivers 12 ~ 22,000 Hz 24 Ohms 3.5mm Plug

For most part these were inexpensive quartz, automatics or digitals.  This was before I knew anything about watches and have since sold all of these 'starter' watches. Fossil Chronograph.  It was too big, but I now appreciate a cream color dial and brown leather strap. Oddly, this was one of the hardest for me to part with.  I loved it on a NATO and it had a steampunk feel to it.  But once I was able to sell it the rest were easy to let go.  My aspiring brand would someday be either a Vacheron Patrimony or JLC annual calendar. Black Dial Seiko 5.  This was the precursor to the Rolex Explorer I. Zodiac Seadragon.  Precursor to the Omega Seamaster. Casio 1300.   Was fun, but I prefer the G Shocks and swapped it for two 5600's. Seiko skx007.   Was in a Dive watch craze.  In Hindsight, would have preferred a Hamilton Khaki 70455533 .  But it was a nice watch. Update 3/16 Now I kinda regret selling it so fast.  This guy woul

I received the Emporio Armani AR585 watch as a gift.  It's a large watch and reminds me a bit of the Breguet Type XX.  Originally, it comes on a heavy SS bracelet that unfortunately lacks micro adjustments and for me means having to wear it loose.  It's also an unusual size of 23mm.  I tried first a black leather strap and while nice, have found brown leather more appealing.  I also opted for a deployment clasp and overall love it as my casual/semi formal watch. It's a Quartz movement, but it was given as a gift from an important person in my life so from a sentimental standpoint is priceless.  It is also currently, my 2nd oldest watch in my now modest collection.  I  am also partial to chronographs and until I get a proper mechanical chronograph, I want to keep the Armani in rotation.   I also have found owning inexpensive quartz watches help me see whether I like a particular style, size or look of a watch before considering buying a more expensive, but similar luxur