Modern Simple Living

Comparison of Klipsch R6i and AKG EO-IG955 Earbuds Having invested in the Klipsch R6i earbuds back in 2016, I’ve found them to be quite useful for short transit and plane trips. They perform significantly better than the stock Apple earbuds or the AKG EO-IG955s that come with Samsung's Galaxy S8. After recently acquiring a free pair of the AKG IG955s and spending some time with them, I can appreciate both models for different purposes. Specifications Klipsch R6i Specs: Driver Size: 6.5mm Frequency Response: 10 ~ 19,000 Hz Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW Impedance: 18 Ohms Noise Isolation: -22 dB Connector: 3.5mm Plug (Gold) Cable Type: Flat (Tangle-Free) Features: Microphone, In-Line Control (Volume Up/Down, Start/Pause) Price: $60 @ Amazon AKG EO-IG955 Specs: Driver Size: Unknown Frequency Response: 20 ~ 20,000 Hz* Sensitivity: 93.2 dB/mW Impedance: 32 Ohms Connector: 3.5mm Plug (Non-Gold) Cable Type: Partial Braided (Sorta Tangle-Free) Features: Microphone, In-Line Control...

Reflections on Yukio Mishima's Sea of Fertility Tetralogy: The Decay of the Angel Having recently finished the fourth and final book of Yukio Mishima's Sea of Fertility tetralogy, titled The Decay of the Angel , I wanted to share my thoughts. This series was meant to be Mishima's masterpiece, and although I’ve only read the last two installments, I can say they offer a rich and engaging experience, though perhaps not on the same level as Tolstoy's War and Peace . A Profound Exploration of Life and Death I found The Decay of the Angel to be an enthralling read that raises profound questions about how we live our lives and confront our inevitable mortality. A particularly poignant observation I came across was the idea that the tetralogy can be summed up in Mr. Honda's realization that we have just "one shot at life." This concept resonates throughout the narrative and invites readers to reflect on the choices we make. Insights into Post-War Japan While I...

Audio & Gear ATH-M50x vs. ATH-MSR7 A Comparative Review — After Several Months with Both $130 M50x Street Price $200 MSR7 Street Price 45mm Drivers (both) 3–1 MSR7 Category Wins Having owned both the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and ATH-MSR7 for several months, I wanted to provide a thorough comparison between these two models. While the M50x has achieved legendary status for its value, the MSR7 appears to be a worthy successor.   Table of Contents ① Price ② Sound Quality ③ Build Quality ④ Comfort ⑤ Overall Verdict ⑥ Other Thoughts Price M50x Wins → ATH-M50x — MSRP ~$169; typically found for $130–$150 on Amazon → ATH-MSR7 — MSRP $249; often available for around $200 The M50x offers a more budget-friendl...

Exploring Brandy: My First Experience with Hennessy VSOP As I aimed to broaden my palate beyond whisky, I dove into the fascinating world of brandies, particularly the renowned French cognacs. With so many varieties and brands available, I was excited to start my journey. For my initial exploration, I chose a VSOP from the House of Hennessy (LVMH) for about $18 USD in a 200 mL bottle. Initial Reaction Upon my first taste, I found the Hennessy VSOP to be flavorful and sweet, with a pleasant nose. In terms of taste, it struck me as being on par with Johnnie Walker Black but less complex than Highland Park 12. The sweetness was reminiscent of Macallan 12, and I was surprised by the syrupy viscosity, akin to adding maple syrup to a less-than-stellar bottle of whisky. While this was unexpected, it wasn't off-putting; it just highlighted how different cognac can be from whisky. Although I don’t see myself abandoning whisky for cognac, I appreciate how this experience enhances my understa...

Seiko Orange Monster on Bonetto Cinturini 285 Strap Review I recently gave the Seiko Orange Monster a try on the Bonetto Cinturini 285 strap, and I was pleasantly surprised by the transformation. Having never been a fan of the stock metal bracelet, the switch to a black rubber strap made a notable difference in both aesthetics and comfort. Aesthetic Appeal The Bonetto Cinturini 285 strap complements the bold design of the Orange Monster beautifully. The black rubber provides a sleek, sporty look that enhances the watch's dive capabilities while maintaining its iconic appeal. The strap’s design also aligns well with the Orange Monster's vibrant dial, creating a striking contrast that’s both functional and stylish. Comfort and Durability One of the standout features of the Bonetto strap is its comfort. It feels soft against the skin, making it ideal for everyday wear, especially in warmer weather or during aquatic activities. The strap's flexibility allows for a snug fit, ens...

Audio & Gear Sony ZX Series Headphones A Budget-Friendly Sound Choice — and Where to Go Next 3 Models Reviewed $10 Starting Price 2.5+ Years of Use 30mm Drivers (all models) If you're on the hunt for budget-friendly headphones with decent quality, the Sony ZX Series is definitely worth considering. I happen to own several models from the lineup — the ZX-100, ZX-110, and ZX-310 — and have put all three through enough real-world use to have opinions on each.   Table of Contents ① Build Quality ② Cost Comparison ③ Specifications ④ Sound Quality ⑤ Overall Value ⑥ Upgrade Path Build Quality ZX-310 Takes the Lead The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car ...

Review of the Seiko SKX007 The Seiko SKX007 is one of the best deals available for a genuine diver's watch. I purchased mine for about $179 from Amazon and was quite satisfied with it, though I found it a bit too large for my taste, featuring 22mm bands and a 45mm watch face. My preference leans towards a maximum of 20mm bands and watch faces between 39mm and 41mm. Performance and Features It's hard to say anything negative about the SKX007. It boasts a 7s26/36 automatic movement and offers an impressive water resistance of up to 200 meters, all for a fraction of the price of comparable luxury diver watches like the Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster. Specifications of the SKX007 Model : SKX007 Movement : Automatic 7s26/36 Size : 45mm Band Width : 22mm The SKX007 remains a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable diver's watch, but for my preferences, the SKX781 is a better fit.