What do Netflix’s Korean drama We Are All Trying Here, the Sony X1000M6, BLACKPINK’s “GO,” and a soon‑to‑be‑trashed Marshall Major 3 have in common?
A restored Marshall.
The Marshall that refused to die!
Discovering Hwang Dong‑man’s Headphone Aesthetic
It all started with We Are All Trying Here. Koo Kyo‑hwan plays Hwang Dong‑man, a member of an eight‑person film club — the only one yet to debut after 20 years in the industry.
I adore his acting. It’s eccentric, full of raw energy. My partner isn’t fond of his voice. I disagree; his voice is so unique and recognisable that it stays in my head for days, if not weeks.
What really stayed with me wasn’t just his voice or acting. It was how he hangs his over‑ear wireless headphones on his backpack. The headphones become part of his persona, signalling a world of his own that shuts out external noise. They also make this ordinary character look sophisticated.
K‑dramas are known for product placement. I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure those headphones are from Sony. Since I’ve yet to see the brand featured in the show, I reckon they’re one of those non‑sponsored props.
Because of Hwang Dong‑man and We Are All Trying Here, I had to give the Sony X1000M6 a try.
Wow.
The experience is phenomenal. So is the price tag.
Falling for the Sony X1000M6 and BLACKPINK’s “GO”
Around the same time, BLACKPINK released the Deadline EP.
I absolutely adore “GO.” I spent days building a series of playlists with similar themes — feminine industrial progression — with AI to suit my listening preferences. More on that another day.
The reception to “GO” is mixed. Fans like me love it; others complain there’s more music than singing. Regardless, “GO” and the X1000M6 are a dangerous combination.
A Headphone Shopper’s Dilemma
I’ve been testing headphones lately — different brands and models. In my opinion, I doubt you’ll find a pair better than the Sony X1000M6 for playing “GO.” Unless, of course, the Sony X1000 Collexion makes the X1000M look like good value.
So here I am, wandering through different electronics stores in various malls, yet I keep returning to the X1000M6. The ear pads feel so comfortable. The sound is so wholesome.
The Sorry State of My Marshall Major 3
One day at home I dug out my old Marshall Major 3. It was in a sorry state. The faux leather on the headband and ear pads was peeling badly. Released eight years ago, the headphones still deliver that signature Marshall sound. I’d replaced the ear pads before, but I had no idea how to fix the headband without soldering wires.
Trashing the Major 3 would add more justification for buying the X1000M6!
Before doing that, I took a picture of my sad‑looking Marshall Major 3 and asked AI if it could be fixed.
An Easy Fix: Restoring the Marshall
Surprisingly, the solution is very simple (note: prices may vary). Replacement ear pads cost S$5.40. A zipped headband cover cost S$3.50. After a bit of dry scrubbing to remove the remaining faux‑leather bits, my Marshall Major 3 is restored — almost like day one.
That Marshall signature sound is so fun and lively.
The battery life is still long.
There’s still the on‑ear fatigue.
And without ANC, I’m not replacing my first‑generation Apple AirPods Pro any time soon.
With a restored Marshall, the business case for getting a Sony X1000M6 becomes inevitably weaker.
Why Sometimes Not Buying Feels Just Right
But that’s okay. Not every journey involves spending money.
Certainly not this one.