Simple Living

Having now owned several G-Shocks I've come to appreciate certain features of various models.  For most part all I care about primarily is 'size'.  Features are secondary and so long as it has World Time, I'm happy. Size (5600 wins) In terms of size the 5600's are my favorite, but the convenience of the illumination button front and center on the 6900 is beautiful. The compromise?  It has to go to the 9000 series Mudman.  While the buttons are difficult to press it is the right size and button arrangement that just connects with me as one of my favorite G-Shocks thus far.  Now Module versions this is probably a bad selection to compare as I have a GLX, G and DW types.  But form factor wise they are roughly equivalent representatives of their model series.  There are certainly much larger G-Shocks, but for me the 6900 is where I will draw the line for now. Features (G9000 Wins, GLX5600 Good Second) Most G-Shocks have the standard basics down pat and all I car

Purchased a Casio G-Shock Mudman G-9000MS-1 in Black.  It is part of a Military Inspired Series and uses a 3031 Module.  The watch is relatively small and feels like a 'round' 5600.  It's slightly larger than a 5600, but is dwarfed by a 6900. Overall had the watch for a few hours and I rather like it.  The buttons are very difficult to push, but otherwise acceptable.  Out of all the G-Shocks thus far I like the Mudman quite a bit, almost as much as the 5600's. The Negative LCD display is a bit iffy and can be difficult to read under certain lighting conditions.  I'll endure it for a while, but may opt to purchase a standard G9000 and swap out the housing as I prefer the all black bezel and strap of this version.

Hmm...maybe I'm the first to post a pic of a Rolex Explorer I on the Red/Black Hirsch Robby Performance Strap.  The 20mm band fits snugly and does chafe a bit on the middle edge, but otherwise works.  The Red/Black color scheme accents the Explorer I quite nicely. I was curious and pleasantly surprised at how good it looks and feels on the wrist. At times I almost forget I'm wearing a watch.  I'll likely get another Hirsch strap in the Black/Blue color design for the Omega and that'll give me a nice pair of versatile watches.

I bought my 2016 Highlander new and paid $31k.  It’s been a good car and served me well.  Hope to keep it for many more years. Specs - 2016 Highlander V6 LE FWD Engine 3.5L V6 - 2GR-FE HP: 270 @ 6200 Torque: 248 @ 4700 Transmission - 6 speed Performance: 0-60: 6.9 seconds 1/4 Mile: 15.2 @ 89 mph EPA MPG: 19 City / 25 Highway Dimensions: Length: 191.1 inches Wheelbase: 109.8 inches Height: 68.1 inches Width (without mirrors): 75.8 inches Why the Highlander?  The V6 Engine The main reason I wanted this car was the V6 engine.  It’s one of Toyota’s best motors ever created and provides performance, reliability and decent gas mileage.  It’s probably one of the best engines ever made for a car and if they had one available for my 2015 Camry I’d have bought one too. Overall how has it been? So far so good.  After 7 years of ownership other than preventive maintenance, it’s been an excellent car.

To complete my headphone collection I needed a good pair of earbuds and selected the Klipsch R6i Earbuds.  I tried to look for the now discontinued prior model S6i, but couldn't find any for a reasonable price.  Other contenders included the Jaybirds, but I wasn't ready to try bluetooth just yet. The R6i's are quite nice and little touches like the anti-tangling flat cable and in-line volume control make it useful.  This will be for traveling as I want to keep things light. Basic Specs: 6.5mm Drivers 10 ~ 19,000 Hz 110 db/mW 18 Ohms -22 Noise Isolation 3.5mm Plug

I've always wanted to try a DAC (Digital Audio Converter) and Amplifier for my headphones.  It's difficult at first to pick one and I settled on the Fiio model e10k Olympus 2.  In hindsight I should have gone with a model that's portable and accepts an audio line in...but the e10 proved okay when hooked up to my laptop. And I have plans to build a 'soundbook' with the Netbook. How's it sound? In some ways it improved the sound quality.  Certain frequencies are clearer and I do hear things that were not as noticeable before.  The music sounds more 'forward' if that's what they call it.  It's a bit overwhelming at first, but after a while I kinda like it and getting used to the refined soundstage.  Another thing I noticed was how awful sounding some of my cheaper headphones are with the e10.  I was hoping with increased power they might sound better, not so.  The exception were the Sony ZX100's...not bad. Overall For the price I paid

By luck I was at a thrift shop and saw a pair of Sony MDR-ZX310 for sale.  I scooped them up as I've heard so many positive online reviews that they are great for the price point of $18. Basic Specs: 30mm Drivers 10 ~ 24,000 Hz 1,000 mW -- Max Input Power 98 db/mW 24 Ohms 125g -- Weight 1.2m -- Cable Length I  also own the lower end model ZX100's and can compare the two. Sound Quality The 310's have a wider response range than the 100's and I can both feel and hear it on the bass.  Mid and treble are almost the same to me, but due to the weaker bass on the 100's it feels more pronounced on the Mid and Treble, but with deeper listening the 310's are at least on par with some frequencies coming through more that were not as clear on the 100's.  If you like vocal and mids the 100's might be better. Even with EQ bass reduction the 310's sound tinny and need the full bass to sound decent.  Overall the 310's are tuned for bass

Surprised I never discussed in more detail my pair of Audio Technica ATH-WM77 on-ear headphones.  I got these two years ago from Yodobashi Camera in Shinjuku Tokyo for $40 in Yen.  They are a fun pair of headphones and one of my favorites.  The one downside has been the plastic housing on the left speaker popped out of place and I had to use krazy glue to fix it.  They work just fine, but the left speaker has lost the ability to swivel making it no longer convenient to stash into my backpack. Basic Specs: 38mm Drivers 10 ~ 23,000 Hz 500 mW -- Max Input Power 103 db/mW 36 Ohms 133 g -- Weight 1.0m -- Cable Length

I took the plunge and purchased a Seiko Orange Monster model # SKX781.  It is a very popular model from the Seiko 5 lineup that rivals the equally popular SKX007.  Both are Dive Watches rated for 200 Meter Water Resistance.  Having previously owned an SKX007, I always wanted to try an Orange Monster. There are many reviews on the Orange Monster, this is just my personal notes of why I decided to get one.  It was surprisingly a fairly difficult decision for me as I already own more expensive automatic watches and got rid of several Seiko 5 watches over the years as I wanted to simplify my collection, but in the end I needed something to fill that niche of an inexpensive automatic beater.  Quartz, while accurate and reliable just didn't feel the same as a true automatic mechanical watch. Enter the Seiko SKX781... 20mm Lug Width What drew me to the Seiko SKX781 was the 20mm lug width.  This helps me standardize and keep simple my collection of watch bands across all my wa

The battery died in the Seiko SSB003.  Popped it open to see what battery it needs and replaced it.  It needed an SR936SW battery. Kinda cool looking at the 6T63A movement.  Nothing fancy, but interesting all the same.  Standard screwback. The battery is locked into place by a thin metal strip running across it.  You can gently unlock it from pushing slightly on the part of the metal bar nearest the edge of the case.

It's been about two years now and the original earpads have deteriorated to the point I get white flakes on my shoulders.  Purchased some new aftermarket ear pads and tried them on.  Overall not bad, they are certainly bigger than the original pads and maybe next time I'll try velour pads.  I only wish they sold a replacement for the headband which is flaking badly as well. Was interesting to see that the speakers inside the headphones are angled making L/R actually meaningful. Earpads cost me $20.  Kinda pricy, but necessary. Update 3/2019 I barely used the M50's and after 2 years the 'new' ear pads disintegrated.  I purchased some velour ear pads instead, but am regretting it as it completely changes the sound signature of the M50's.  Although they do not last for more than 1-2 years, the traditional vinyl ear pads are better.  Accept it as cost of ownership.

Brand:  Grado Model:  SR80e Frequency:  20 Hz - 20,000 Hz Sensitivity:  99.8 dB Impedence:  32 ohms Price:  $99 @ Amazon The Grado SR80e represent one of the best deals in Headphones.  Second only to the legendary Audio Technica ATH-M50's having both in even a modest Headphone Collection should provide sufficient range & options for most Music enthusiasts.  I own both and agree with many of the reviews of this Headphone Combo. I've debated on adding an Open Air Headphone and it took a while as I seriously considered the similarly priced Audio Technica AD700x.  Perhaps it was the Retro Styling, but the Grado's won and I'm very pleased with my decision. These are strictly for Indoor Use and stay close to my PC and PS4.  I reach for these mostly when watching a Movie, Video Games or Music.  Oddly, I stick with the M50x or MSR7 when listening to music on the iPhone, even when at home. The Grado's are NOT perfect for every type of Music Genre and while n

The Hirsch Robby Sailcloth Performance Strap arrived today.  Purchased the version in Black with Red Stitching.  Cost me $ 108 from Amazon and is the priciest strap I've bought thus far, but felt it's a worthy investment as I plan to use it daily. First Impression The black texture on the outside feels like a pair of gortex gloves and the detail is quite good as it should be for a fairly expensive watch band. Stitching is excellent and the red rubber underside while coarse at first is comfortable. I got the 20 mm version and tried it on an Omega Seamaster 2531.80. And it works quite well. It's too soon to give this a verdict, but overall I'm satisfied that it is a premium grade watch strap. The Omega needed some new legs as I was tired of the bracelet accumulating scratches.  It does feel more sporty casual with the Hirsh strap. Update 2/6/16 It's been about a week since receiving the Hirsch Robby Performance strap and I must say it's

When I pass all my exams for the MCSA I'll reward myself with a nice pair of headphones.  I currently own only the Audio Technica M50x which have served me well, but I feel it's time to add another selection to my growing collection.  I'm willing to spend $250 and reviewing my options.  I've started evaluating and studying the ATH M70x, MSR7 and Sony MDR-1A as possible candidates for my next set.  Before I do that, I wanted to catalog my current collection and see where I want to expand and focus on.  Excluding the M50's and WM77, the rest of my assortment are basic headphones and eventually I may 'retire' as my collection improves.  For now I'm leaning towards the MSR7's, but going based on simply specs is misleading and I would like to try each of them and a few other brands and models before deciding. While superficial, one area I would like to see improvement is overall build quality with metal for the hinges and areas that would have the most

I was at the Shopping Mall studying for the next exam and realized I didn't bring a pair of headphones.  Rather than drive back home (two hour drive), figured I just buy a pair of basic headphones.  Browsing the choices I came across the iLive IA54B for $ 10 @ Sears.  They are just basic headphones and fit my needs. Basic Specs: Range:  20hz - 20khz 100db Sensitivity 32 ohm Impedence 1/8" Stereo Adapter Sound Quality Don't expect much as these are $10 Headphones and when you take that into consideration you will understand tolerate them for what they are...something to hear music when you have nothing else. Initially, they sounded horrible as they were tuned to exaggerate the bass, mids are almost non-existent and certain tracks I know have some notes in the high and mid were imperceptible.  I was using my iPhone5 and to help improve sound quality required setting the EQ to 'Treble Boost' and at 65% Volume the IA54B were quite decent.  After this adjus