i've decided to stop using bluetooth
I don't mind charging for Bluetooth on my headphones because they have a headphone jack. That's part of my personal problem with Bluetooth the device is useless without it's charger.
That's exactly what happened when I lost the case for my Soundcore p20i's.
I was going to buy a new pair, but I learned that Bluetooth earbuds/headphones stop holding charge after a couple years, and the batteries are sealed inside their charging mechanisms, making them nearly impossible to replace.
Your favourite wireless earbuds could become obsolete in a couple of years —developments in Bluetooth technology are happening lightning fast1. Even if you practising good charging habits like keeping them at room temperature and plugging them out when fully charged (let's be real, everyone charges them while asleep).
Like a lot of newer phones, my phone doesn't have a headphone jack. That doesn't bother me too much since my mp3 player does2. I was still on the fence about getting something wired until I found out about IEMs!
I bought a cheap pair (KZ EDX Pro's) for $10. Apparently, these are notoriously shit in the IEM community — and by shit, they mean great for people who are used to crappy earbuds and dampened sound from Bluetooth.
It does struggle with high notes, especially those from woodwind instruments; you can hear the air being blown out. But for less than lunch in downtown Toronto, these aren't bad!3.
It's crazy how much goes into Bluetooth earbuds. Some Dick Tracy shit.↩
It doesn't hurt to be more intentional about my media consumption. Being voluntarily tethered to a device is one way to do it. It wouldn't kill me to do some errands or chores without listening to something. My best ideas come from letting my mind wander while doing boring things.↩
I am currently saving for a better pair! I want to see what some other budget IEMs have to offer.↩