Simple Living

Reflections on Beats Studio Headphones: A Journey into Audio Quality The Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones were my first introduction to the world of "high-end" headphones, and although I received them as a gift, they helped me explore audio quality on a whole new level. They excelled in delivering deep bass, which made them great for genres like electronica, techno, or hip-hop. Beats are also designed to be as visually striking as they are functional; I received a lot of compliments when wearing them at cafes or on public transit. However, as my knowledge of headphones grew, so did my understanding of where Beats fit in the audio world. Downsides of Beats Studio Despite their stylish appeal, several issues led me to eventually part with my Beats Studio: Battery Dependency : The need for two AAA batteries became a constant hassle, especially as I needed to check the power button to avoid accidental drain. This reliance on batteries was inconvenient and became a bigger issue...

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 ...

Reflecting on My Watch Collection Journey As I take stock of my current watch collection, I feel a sense of satisfaction with what I have assembled so far. While I may not own a traditional dress watch, I find that the Rolex Explorer serves me well in formal settings, and the Armani Chronograph can step in if needed. I’m considering swapping the Armani’s metal bracelet for a tan brown leather strap to enhance its versatility. The Process of Curation Determining how many watches are "enough" for my collection has been a tiring yet rewarding process. While some might view this as a trivial exercise, for me, analyzing my motivations and justifications behind each piece has been invaluable. This practice not only informs my watch-related decisions but also prepares me for larger life choices. Any future acquisition will require the thoughtful consideration of replacing an existing watch in my collection. Future Aspirations Looking ahead, I had considered the Hamilton Navy Pione...

Casio MTD-1010: The Best Budget Submariner Homage If you’re on the hunt for an affordable watch that channels the classic diver aesthetic of the Submariner, look no further than the Casio MTD-1010 . Priced at around $30 on eBay , this model offers incredible value for anyone who loves a good deal. Affordable Elegance The MTD-1010 strikes a balance between style and practicality. While it features a quartz movement , it captures the essence of the iconic Submariner without being a direct replica or knockoff. This watch embodies the classic diver look with its bold dial, rotating bezel, and luminous hands, making it a fantastic choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. Function Over Frills What sets the MTD-1010 apart is its straightforward functionality. Casio focuses on delivering a reliable timepiece that doesn't get bogged down by unnecessary high-end features. This approach ensures that the watch is both accessible and functional, making it ideal for those who appreci...

The Allure of Casio G-Shock Iconic Brand with a Rich Legacy Casio G-Shock and Swatch are two iconic watch brands that have garnered a loyal following. Their timepieces are not only relatively affordable, typically ranging from $40 to $100 , but they also offer an astonishing variety of models, special editions, and unique designs that few collectors could ever hope to amass entirely. Yet, many enthusiasts come remarkably close, curating collections that are cosmic in size and diversity. With thousands of variations, there’s something in their extensive catalogs that can appeal to nearly everyone. My Favorite: The G-Shock 5600 Personally, I have a fondness for the squarish 5600 model . There’s something timeless about its design that resonates with the original DNA of the Casio digital watch segment. Unlike the bulkier 6900 or 7900 models, the 5600 maintains a slimmer profile that is more to my liking. I prefer watches that are 12-13 mm thick or less; anything thicker feels more like...

The Joy of Watch Collecting The Importance of Hobbies Everyone needs a hobby—it’s a way to find joy in life while staying engaged and stimulated. For me, that passion lies in collecting watches, a journey I began about six years ago when I bought my second watch to complement my aging Guess timepiece. Quartz Phase I initially focused on budget brands, picking up watches from Zodiac , Fossil , Citizen , and Casio . My knowledge was quite limited back then; I only understood quartz and digital watches, having no clue about automatics. As my interest grew, I took the leap into the world of automatic timepieces. Automatic Phase My first automatic watch was a Omega Seamaster , which also happened to be one of my most significant purchases. Up until then, the only time I'd spent thousands on a single item was on a car or a high-end computer.  It was love at first sight, and predictably, I followed that purchase with a Rolex the following year. I also explored several Seikos and Orients...

My 2011 Toyota Corolla: First Toyota Experience The 2011 Toyota Corolla marked my entry into the Toyota brand, having previously owned only Hondas and Nissans. I found a pre-owned 2011 Corolla in 2013 for a fair price of $11,500.  Although I only kept the car for four years before trading it in for my 2016 Highlander, the Corolla provided worry-free ownership throughout my time with it. I was genuinely impressed by Toyota's reliability, requiring only routine oil changes, a battery replacement, and a new set of tires. While I briefly considered purchasing another Corolla to complement the Highlander, I decided instead for a Camry.  And in hindsight, if I could do it all over again I'd likely have gotten a Camry instead of the Corolla, but it was still a valuable experience. Specs and Performance Engine : 1.8L I4 - 2ZR-FE Horsepower: 132 @ 6000 RPM Torque: 128 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM Transmission : 4-speed automatic Performance : 0-60 mph: 9.8 seconds Quarter-mile: 17.8 seconds @ 81 m...