Audio · Photo · Video · Everyday Tech
Honest, hands-on reviews of the things worth owning.
I’m Jay. I buy the thing, live with it, and tell you what’s worth knowing — the numbers that actually matter and the honest feel of using it day to day.
Independent / No sponsored verdicts / I own everything I review
Latest Review
In-Ear Monitors · Aug 2024
Moondrop Chu II: When a Company Listens
A $20 set that quietly embarrasses gear three times its price. The fixes nobody asked for, all delivered.
10mm DD 32 Ω $20
Buying Guides
When a whole category needs sorting out
Once in a while I line up everything I’ve owned in a category and tell you where the money should go. There’s always a clear winner — the rest of the picks shift to fit the field.
The Best Notebooks (2026): An Honest Ranking
8 picks · 1 dishonorable mention
Best Overall
Midori MD Notebook
The benchmark I grade everything else with — reasonably priced, beautiful paper, and endlessly customizable.
Best Premium
Maruman Mnemosyne — when you want to treat yourself.
Best Budget
Apica CD — three dollars, genuinely good.
Dishonorable Mention
Moleskine — things get better with time.
Latest
Recently on the bench
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Review – Moondrop Blessing 3: The King of Clarity
With the new generation of Moondrop’s famous Blessing line, they have put a huge emphasis on clarity of sound. But…
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Review – Moondrop Chu II: When a Company Listens
A new contender for the $20 champion seat, the Moondrop Chu II are a great example of what can happen…
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My Audio Review Process
I wanted to write something that I can pin to the top of my audio review section about my review…
The shop, briefly
I’d rather show you than sell you.
This started as a workbench for my own curiosity — the endless itch to find the best version of everything I use. No affiliate chase, no embargo hype. I buy the thing, live with it, and tell you how it really feels in the hand.
Pull up a stool. Let me show you what’s actually worth your money.
— Jay @THEeverside
Also
Through the lens
When I’m not measuring things, I’m photographing them — and the occasional torii gate, skyline, or pour-over.
