Simple Living

Adding Klipsch R6i Earbuds to My Headphone Collection Why I Chose the R6i To round out my headphone collection, I wanted a reliable pair of earbuds that would perform well for travel and everyday use. I decided on the Klipsch R6i Earbuds after searching for the discontinued S6i model, which was difficult to find at a reasonable price. I also considered going with Bluetooth options like the Jaybirds but wasn’t ready to transition to wireless just yet. The R6i fit my needs with its high-quality sound and practical design. Features and Build Quality The Klipsch R6i’s design includes several small yet thoughtful features. The flat, anti-tangle cable minimizes hassle, especially when stashing them in a pocket or travel bag, and the in-line volume control adds convenience without needing to adjust settings on my phone. They’re lightweight and compact, ideal for travel when I prefer to keep my gear light. Basic Specs Driver Size : 6.5mm Frequency Response : 10Hz – 19,000Hz Sensitivity : 110 d...

Adding Laphroaig 10 to My Scotch Collection First Impressions of Laphroaig 10 Year Old After years of curiosity, I finally added Laphroaig 10 Year Old to my Scotch whisky collection. I first tasted this Islay single malt at a party a few years ago, and the distinctive flavor left an impression that I couldn’t quite forget. Now that I have my own bottle, I’m diving deeper into the world of Islay malts, and my initial pour didn’t disappoint. Discovering the Islay Peat Laphroaig 10 stands out for its signature “peatiness.” This bold flavor profile is quite different from the Speyside or blended whiskies I typically enjoy. While it’s definitely an acquired taste, I find it intriguing and a natural progression in my journey through single malts. The peaty, smoky notes are intense but not overwhelming, adding a depth I hadn’t experienced as strongly in other whisky regions. Expanding My Collection with Islay Malts Although this is my first Islay bottle, I can already tell it won’t be my last...

Whisky Collection Plans for 2016 and Beyond Introduction I'm excited to share my plan for building back up my whisky collection in 2016. After years of indecision, I'm going all-in on learning about my preferences in various Scotch whiskies. This means I will be actively purchasing more bottles to explore the world of whisky. Consumption Rates My overall whisky consumption has been consistent, averaging around 175 mL per week. This is roughly equivalent to a six-pack of lite beer, which is relatively modest. Over the course of a month, this amounts to about 750 mL (or one bottle), and annually translates to approximately 9 liters, equating to 12 bottles. Consumption Ratios (Blends vs. Single Malts) First Half of 2016 : 80% Blends / 20% Single Malts 5 Blended Whiskies 1 Single Malt (Glenfiddich 12) Second Half of 2016 : 50% Blends / 50% Single Malts 3 Blended Whiskies 3 Single Malts The 80/20 ratio turned out to be somewhat dull, allowing me to enjoy only a single bottle of Sing...

Fiio E10K Olympus 2 DAC and Amplifier Introduction I've always been interested in trying a DAC (Digital Audio Converter) and amplifier for my headphones. After some research, I settled on the Fiio E10K Olympus 2. In hindsight, I might have preferred a more portable model that accepts audio line-in, but the E10K proved to be a solid choice when connected to my laptop. I also plan to build a 'soundbook' using my netbook, which adds to its utility. Sound Quality Using the E10K has improved my sound experience in several ways. Certain frequencies are now clearer, allowing me to hear details that were previously subtle. The overall music presentation feels more "forward," enhancing the listening experience. While this initially felt overwhelming, I've started to appreciate the refined soundstage that the E10K provides. One notable observation is how poorly some of my cheaper headphones perform with the E10K. I had hoped that the increased power would improve their ...

Sony MDR-ZX310 Headphones Overview By luck, I stumbled upon a pair of Sony MDR-ZX310 headphones at a thrift shop. I couldn't resist the opportunity to scoop them up, especially since I've heard so many positive reviews online about their performance for the price point of $18. Basic Specifications Driver Size : 30mm Frequency Response : 10 ~ 24,000 Hz Maximum Input Power : 1,000 mW Sensitivity : 98 dB/mW Impedance : 24 Ohms Weight : 125 g Cable Length : 1.2 m I also own the lower-end model, the ZX100, and can compare the two. Sound Quality The ZX310s have a wider response range than the ZX100s, which is particularly noticeable in the bass. While the midrange and treble frequencies are almost identical, the weaker bass of the ZX100s makes the mids and treble feel more pronounced. However, with deeper listening, the ZX310s provide clarity in certain frequencies that the ZX100s lack. If you prefer vocals and mids, the ZX100s might be a better option. Even with EQ bass reduction, t...

Audio-Technica ATH-WM77 On-Ear Headphones Overview I recently realized I haven't discussed my pair of Audio-Technica ATH-WM77 on-ear headphones in detail. I purchased these headphones two years ago at Yodobashi Camera in Shinjuku, Tokyo, for approximately $40 in yen. They are a fun pair and have become one of my favorites. Condition and Issues One downside I encountered is that the plastic housing on the left speaker popped out of place. To fix it, I used Krazy Glue, which has worked well. However, as a result of this issue, the left speaker has lost the ability to swivel, making it less convenient to stash the headphones in my backpack. Basic Specifications Driver Size : 38mm Frequency Response : 10 ~ 23,000 Hz Maximum Input Power : 500 mW Sensitivity : 103 dB/mW Impedance : 36 Ohms Weight : 133 g Cable Length : 1.0 m Overall, despite the minor setback with the swivel mechanism, the Audio-Technica ATH-WM77 headphones continue to deliver a solid performance and remain a valued part...