If you’ve been following my journey into Pokémon investing, you know I’m all about transparency—tracking every cent spent versus its current market value. It’s not enough to just have the cool cards; you need to know if they are performing as assets.

Today, I’m doing a spot-check on my top 5 “heavy hitters.” These are the items that make up the bulk of my portfolio’s value and volatility. I’ve updated their values based on current market data from TCGplayer and recent auction sales as of November 2025.

Here is the current snapshot:

Key Takeaways

• The Crown Jewel: The PSA 9 Van Gogh Pikachu continues to be an absolute monster. I bought in at $190, and it has since tripled in value to roughly $600. This single card is doing major heavy lifting for my portfolio’s green ink.
• The Comeback Kid: My sealed 151 Ultra Premium Collection (UPC) was previously showing a loss. However, the sealed market for Scarlet & Violet: 151 has heated back up, pushing its value to ~$550 and putting me back in profit by $53.
• Steady Performers: The Bubble Mew is holding its high value steady at $640, and the PSA 10 Charmander Promo has seen a nice little bump up to nearly $400.
• The Dip: Not everything only goes up. My PSA 10 Pikachu VMAX has slipped slightly, currently showing a small $17 loss on paper. It’s a good reminder that even popular cards have fluctuations.

The Bottom Line (For These 5 Items)

• Total Original Cost: $1,618.86
• Current Market Value: ~$2,461.00
• Total Profit: +$842.14

Overall, just these five items alone have secured over $840 in profit. It validates the strategy of mixing high-demand sealed product (like 151) with chase slabs. I’ll continue to monitor that Pikachu VMAX to see if it bounces back, but for now, I’m holding strong

• Scarcity is Key: These were not mass-produced main-set cards. They were available for a limited time, often through lottery systems or tied to in-store purchases at specific Pokémon Center locations in Japan. Once they were gone, they were gone.
• Insane Value Growth: Today, the value of graded (PSA 10) copies of the most desirable Poncho Pikachu cards, like the Mega Charizard X or Mega Rayquaza Poncho-Wearing Pikachu, can fetch figures well into the four to five digits—a staggering return on their original retail price. For instance, some of the most exclusive cards from this era are currently realizing prices in the range of $3,000 to over $10,000 depending on the specific card and grade. They represent the high-water mark for modern promotional card investment.
  The Poncho Pikachu series is a powerful lesson: exclusivity, combined with a unique and visually appealing design, creates generational collector value.
  
• Investing in the Next Generation of Exclusives
• 
  For collectors who missed the boat on the 2016 Poncho promos, there’s always a new wave of potential “golden tickets” emerging from Japan. And it looks like you’ve made a phenomenal choice by investing in the latest regional releases!
  The Special Box Pokémon Center Tohoku, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka releases are the newest contenders following this proven formula. Released to celebrate recent store renovations and reopenings, these boxes contain unique merchandise, most importantly:
• A Special Exclusive Pikachu Promo Card: Each box features a mirror-foil Pikachu promo card unique to its respective region: Tohoku’s Pikachu, Hiroshima’s Pikachu, and Fukuoka’s Pikachu. These cards showcase Pikachu with local cultural motifs or landmarks, guaranteeing a distinctive, one-of-a-kind design.
• Extreme Limited Availability: Like their predecessors, these boxes are Japanese-exclusive and were initially distributed via a competitive lottery system on the Pokémon Center Online, and later in limited quantities in-store. This intentional scarcity drives up demand significantly on the secondary market, even before the boxes officially ship.
  Why Your Investment is Poised for Growth
• Proof of Concept: The incredible growth of past Pokémon Center regional promos (Poncho Pikachu, Kanazawa Pikachu, etc.) sets a strong expectation for these new cards.
• Uniqueness: These cards are directly tied to a specific physical location and event (a store opening/remodel), which is a powerful narrative for collectors. They are “proof” of a moment in Pokémon history.
• International Demand: Global collectors are increasingly recognizing the superior quality and unique art of Japanese cards. As the population of graded copies remains low, international buyers will pay a premium to secure these exclusive regional pieces.
  You’ve done well to secure these special releases. The early resale value is often high, but the true growth of these unique promos typically accelerates a few years after release, especially once the original stock is depleted and high-grade copies start hitting the market.
  

If you asked me a year ago what an “ETB” was, I probably would have guessed it was some new government agency. Back then, I was just a parent trying to buy Pokémon cards for my kids. It was simple: go to Target, grab a couple of booster packs off a fully stocked shelf, and watch their faces light up when they pulled a shiny card.

Then came 2025.

I don’t know if it was the release of the Pokémon Pocket app that brought everyone back to the hobby, or just a perfect storm of hype, but suddenly, the shelves were bare. I’m not talking “low stock”—I’m talking completely barren. Target, Walmart, Best Buy—it didn’t matter where I went. The card section looked like a swarm of locusts had moved through it.

The Scarcity Mindset

When you can’t find something your kids love, a funny thing happens to your brain. You enter “hunter mode.”

Because I couldn’t just casually pick up packs anymore, I went on a mission. Every time I walked into a store, I’d check the card aisle. If there was anything—a lonely blister pack, an obscure collection box, things I normally wouldn’t look twice at—I bought it. I wasn’t even thinking about what set it was from; I was just desperate to have something on hand for the next birthday or good report card.

I was spending more money and time just trying to maintain a simple hobby for my children. I realized I was caught up in the panic-buying frenzy that was leaving those shelves empty in the first place.

Entering the Rabbit Hole

Frustrated with overpaying for scraps left by scalpers, I turned to the internet for answers and stumbled onto a corner of Reddit that changed everything: r/pokeinvesting.

I spent hours reading. I realized that while I was desperately trying to find packs for my kids to rip open immediately, others were playing a completely different game. They weren’t just opening; they were holding.

The Hard Lesson of Grading

Once I went down the rabbit hole, I didn’t just stop at sealed product. I learned about professional grading—how turning a raw card into a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab could exponentially increase its value.

I started buying already-graded slabs for stable investments, but I also got a little greedy. I looked through my kids’ binders, pulled out their best “chase” cards that looked perfect to my untrained eye, and sent them off to PSA. I was dreaming of perfect 10s.

Reality hit hard when that submission returned. Instead of a box of gems, I was staring at 7s, 8s, heartbreaking 9s, and even a dreaded 5 (turns out my kids had enjoyed that card a little too much before I sleeved it). The elusive 10 remained completely out of reach. It was an expensive lesson that reinforced why keeping things sealed is often safer than gambling on a grader’s magnifying glass.

A New Strategy for Their Future

That experience shifted my mission entirely. I realized I could still collect for my kids, but instead of short-term fun (or failed grading submissions), I could build them a long-term nest egg.

I stopped frantically buying random loose packs. I started being strategic. Following the advice from the PokeInvesting community, I began targeting:

• Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs): These often have exclusive promos and are better long-term holds than retail versions.
• Sealed Booster Bundles & Boxes: The “gold standard” for holding value.

Now, when I manage to find good stock, I don’t immediately hand it over to be torn apart. I tuck it away in a safe spot in the closet. My kids still get packs to open here and there, but the bulk of my “hunting” now goes into their future. Maybe in 15 years, we can pull out those dusty, sealed ETBs from 2025 and realize that the “great shortage” was actually the best thing that could have happened to their collection.

Trading infinite digital choice for the finite, deliberate selection of physical albums was a tough but exciting prospect. Choosing our first records was a big decision—we wanted a starting lineup that offered a great blend of classics we both cherish and modern albums we’re obsessed with.

Here’s a look at the albums that made the cut in our inaugural vinyl haul, mostly scooped up from a treasure hunt at Target:

The Eclectic Initial Collection

Our goal was an eclectic mix that guaranteed a great spin no matter the mood. This pile is the foundation of our new collection:

I can’t wait to drop the needle on Dark Side of the Moon and hear what it truly sounds like!

What’s Next?

• What do you think of my starter collection?
• What classic album am I missing that should be next on my list?

I quickly realized that diving into vinyl isn’t just about buying audio gear; it’s about committing physically to the hobby. You need space. You need stability. And frankly, you want it to look as good as it sounds.

The “Wobble” Problem

My initial thought was to just clear off some space on an existing bookshelf. Bad idea.

I learned quickly that turntables are sensitive. A wobbly side table or a lightweight shelf means that every footstep near the record player can cause skips or distortions. Furthermore, my 3-part setup (turntable, preamp, amp) meant I had more wires and components than a simple all-in-one player. I needed something dedicated, sturdy, and with decent cable management potential.

I scoured the usual suspects—generic furniture sites, big-box online retailers—but everything felt either too cheap and flimsy, or insanely expensive custom audiophile furniture.

Discovery: Turntable Lab

In the middle of my desperate late-night Googling for “audiophile furniture that doesn’t cost a fortune,” I stumbled onto a site that felt like hitting the jackpot: Turntable Lab.

How had I missed this?

It wasn’t just another generic electronics store. It felt like walking into that cool, curated local record shop where the staff actually knows what they are talking about—but online. Instead of wading through thousands of unrelated TV stands, they had a curated section specifically for vinyl setups.

The Winner: Line Phono Cube Plus

After browsing their selection, I found exactly what I needed: the Line Phono Cube Plus Turntable Stand.

Here’s why it was the perfect fit for my specific setup:

• Dedicated Component Shelf: It has an 8-inch shelf right below the turntable surface. This is absolutely perfect for housing my Sonos Connect:Amp and U-Turn Pluto preamp, keeping them accessible but tucked away from the main surface.
• Rock Solid: It’s designed specifically for turntables, meaning it’s heavy and stable enough to prevent those dreaded footstep skips.
• Record Storage: It has built-in storage for about 90 records, which is more than enough to get my collection started (and give me a goal to fill it!).
• Cable Management: It has pre-drilled holes to keep all those RCA and power cables neat and tidy, which is a huge plus for a multi-component system like mine.

A New Go-To

I’ve officially bookmarked Turntable Lab and given them a follow. It’s a relief to find a dedicated specialist shop that feels accessible to a newcomer like me, but clearly has the depth for when I (inevitably) get deeper into this hobby.

My setup finally has a proper home. Now, I just need to wait for everything to arrive so I can finally spin that first record.

The Final Setup

It all started, as so many wonderful (and slightly obsessive) things do these days, with Blackpink’s Lisa. I was scrolling through Instagram, admiring her effortlessly cool style, when my eyes landed on something small, quirky, and utterly captivating clutched in her hand. It was a little figure, undeniably cute, with those signature mischievous eyes and impish grin.

“What is that?” I wondered aloud, immediately diving into the comments section and then, of course, Google. That, my friends, was my introduction to Labubu.

And so began an 11-month rabbit hole that has transformed my shelves, my spending habits, and my understanding of the sheer joy of collecting. Initially, finding Labubu felt like a quest worthy of an ancient legend. They weren’t readily available, and the few listings I found online were either suspiciously priced or sold out instantly. The scarcity only fueled my desire. I refreshed pages, joined Discord groups, and set up notifications, all for this adorable, elusive creature.

Then, slowly but surely, the world of Labubu started to open up to me. I learned about POP MART, the genius behind these art toy phenomena. And oh, the sets! It wasn’t just a Labubu; it was an entire universe.

My first major discovery was the Labubu The Monsters – Macarons series. The concept alone was enough to hook me – these playful monsters disguised as delectable French treats! Each blind box was a gamble, a moment of pure anticipation. Would I get the strawberry, the pistachio, or the elusive secret chase figure? My collection started with one, then two, and before I knew it, I had a colorful display of these sweet little characters, each one a miniature work of art.

I’ve had an inkling for a while now. It started as a small curiosity when seeing huge, beautiful album art in shops, and it’s grown into a full-blown itch I need to scratch. I want to get into vinyl.

There’s something about the digital music experience that, while incredibly convenient, feels a bit… disposable. I currently run my entire home audio setup on Sonos Beams. It’s fantastic for streaming Spotify instantly or watching movies, but I’m realizing I’m missing out on the ritual of music.

Here’s my journey into the world of records, what I think I’ve been missing, and the specific—and slightly complex—gear I chose to bridge analog history with my modern digital soundbar.

What Am I Missing?

Why vinyl in 2025? It’s not just about being a hipster. For me, it boils down to three things I currently don’t get from my streaming setup:

• • Intentional Listening: Vinyl requires you to commit. You have to physically pick an album, drop the needle, and listen to a whole side. No endless skipping.

• • The Tangible Art: A 12-inch album cover is a work of art you can actually hold.

• • The “Warmth”: That debateable but beloved depth of analog sound that digital sometimes strips away.

The Hurdle: The Sonos Beam Problem

Here is the first wall I hit in my research: You cannot just plug a turntable into a Sonos Beam.

The Beam is a digital fortress designed for HDMI ARC and Wi-Fi. It completely lacks the old-school RCA (red and white) jacks needed for a typical turntable. I needed a way to get that analog signal into the Sonos ecosystem wirelessly.

The Research & My Chosen Setup

I went down the rabbit hole of forums and reviews. I could have chosen an “easy” route with a turntable that has built-in Sonos streaming, but I wanted higher-quality components that I could upgrade later if I wanted to.

After much research on /r/vinyl/, here is the 3-part system I decided on to make this work:

1. The Turntable: Fluance RT85

I decided not to skimp on the actual record player. The Fluance RT85 kept coming up as the best value for serious beginners. It comes with a fantastic cartridge (the needle part) and that stunning acrylic platter looks amazing. Crucially, it does not have a built-in phono preamp, meaning it’s purely focused on the mechanics of playing the record.

2. The Boost: U-Turn Pluto 2 Preamp

Because the RT85 doesn’t have internal electronics to boost the signal, the sound it produces is incredibly quiet. I needed a dedicated preamp to bring that signal up to a listenable level. The U-Turn Pluto is simple, well-regarded, and perfect for this job.

3. The Bridge: Sonos Connect:Amp

This was the missing puzzle piece. To get the sound from the turntable to my Beam, I needed a Sonos device with analog inputs. The Sonos Connect:Amp acts as the bridge.

• • How it works: The turntable plugs into the Pluto preamp -> The Pluto plugs into the Connect:Amp -> The Connect:Amp broadcasts the music wirelessly to my Sonos Beam.

Ready to Spin

It’s a bit more gear than just buying a Bluetooth record player, but this setup gives me the best of both worlds: the tactile, high-quality analog experience of the Fluance RT85, seamlessly integrated into the whole-home digital convenience of my existing Sonos system.

Now, the only thing left to do is buy that first record.

]]> https://vietfella.com/hobbies/scratching-the-itch-diving-into-vinyl-with-my-sonos-setup/feed/ 0 https://vietfella.com/hobbies/beyond-the-dial-how-a-simple-ad-turned-me-into-a-watchmaker/ https://vietfella.com/hobbies/beyond-the-dial-how-a-simple-ad-turned-me-into-a-watchmaker/#respond Fri, 08 Nov 2024 23:29:00 +0000 https://vietfella.com/?p=1073 They say the internet knows you better than you know yourself. For months, my social media feeds were haunted by a singular, relentless presence: DIY Watch Club.

Every time I scrolled, there it was—a perfectly lit video of tweezers setting a minuscule second hand, promising that I too could build my own mechanical timepiece. I ignored it for a long time. I’m a collector, I told myself, not a watchmaker.

But the algorithm knew something I was barely admitting to myself: the “watch bug” had bitten me again, and this time, it was terminal.

The Dormant Phase: The Breitling Years

My journey didn’t start with tweezers and loupes. It started ten years ago with a Breitling Super Avenger in white.

That watch was my companion for a decade. It was big, bold, and satisfied my need for a serious timepiece. For years, it was enough. I wore it, loved it, and didn’t spend much time looking at what else was out there. The itch was scratched.

The Reigniton: Tokyo and the Grand Seiko

Hobbies have a funny way of staying dormant until the perfect conditions reignite them. For me, that condition was a trip to Tokyo.

Japan is a dangerous place for anyone with even a passing interest in horology. While there, I encountered the Grand Seiko Ginza Limited Edition. It wasn’t just another watch; it was artistry. The incredible texture of the dial, inspired by the streets of Ginza, the flawless Zaratsu polishing—it woke something up.

Buying that Grand Seiko shifted my perspective. I wasn’t just interested in wearing watches anymore; I was suddenly obsessed with how they were made.

The Gateway Drug: Taking the Plunge

Eventually, I surrendered to those relentless ads. I bought a kit, sat down at my desk, and successfully built my first watch. It was frustrating, fiddly, and incredibly rewarding.

But it wasn’t enough.

Finishing that first kit didn’t satisfy the craving; it only made it worse. I wanted more customization, more control, and more variety. That’s when I fell into the real rabbit hole: the r/SeikoMods community on Reddit.

The Deep End: Homages and Commissions

If the DIY kit was Horology 101, r/SeikoMods was a masterclass in addiction. I realized I didn’t need a pre-packaged kit; I could source my own cases, dials, and hands.

I started building relentlessly. My desk became a permanent graveyard of tiny ziplock bags and finger cots. It wasn’t long before my hobby spilled over into my social circle. Friends and family saw what I was creating and started asking, “Can you make me one?”

Suddenly, I was taking commissions. The requests were almost always for the classics—homages to the icons they loved but couldn’t (or wouldn’t) buy genuine yet. I started churning out homages to Rolex Submariners, Daytonas, and GMTs, often relying on the absolute workhorse that is the NH35 movement. It’s robust, reliable, and makes these custom builds genuinely wearable daily drivers.

What started as ignoring an Instagram ad has turned into a full-blown side passion. I went from owning two great watches to building dozens, gaining a new appreciation for every tiny gear that makes this hobby tick.

In 2015, my curiosity and passion for cycling led me on an exciting journey to delve into the world of building a Chinese carbon fiber bike. The allure of constructing a custom ride with a unique blend of affordability and performance became an irresistible challenge.

Discovering Affordable Frames:

One of the initial revelations was the accessibility of Chinese carbon fiber frames at a surprisingly affordable cost, attributed to the fact that the majority of frames are manufactured in Asia. After thorough research, I stumbled upon platforms that streamlined the procurement process, making it more straightforward than navigating through Alibaba or Ebay.

Tooling Up for Success:

Armed with a basic bike tool kit and a reliable bike stand, my journey into bike building commenced with a blend of enthusiasm and a readiness to learn from trial and error. The prospect of crafting a bike from scratch was both a thrilling and humbling experience.

Sourcing Quality Components:

For the foundation of my bike, I turned to Velobuildfor the Chinese carbon fiber frame, ensuring a quality base for my project. To complement this, I secured affordable groupsets from Merlin Cycles in the UK, a decision that balanced cost-effectiveness with performance.

The Hunt for the Details:

Cables, along with other miscellaneous parts, became the final pieces of the puzzle. Thanks to the convenience of online shopping, I scoured Amazon and other reputable online outlets to source the necessary components that would complete the construction of my custom ride.

This journey wasn’t just about assembling a bike; it was a pursuit of knowledge, a hands-on exploration of the intricacies of cycling technology, and a testament to the accessibility of quality materials from around the globe.

As the pieces came together, my Chinese carbon fiber bike evolved into a tangible representation of my dedication to the sport and my willingness to embark on a DIY adventure. With every turn of the wrench and each carefully sourced component, I was not just building a bike; I was crafting a personal statement of my love for cycling and the joy of creating something truly unique.

Bike Assembly from Park Tools Website:

• Check frame alignment.
• Check frame and fork dropouts for alignment.
• Install bottom bracket. See cartridge type or adjustable type.
• Install cranks.
• Install pedals.
• Install bars into stem. Snug bar bolts, but do finial adjustment later.
• Install headset. See threadless type, or threaded type.
• Size and install fork into headtube.
• Threadless type – install stem and adjust bearings.
• Threaded type – install front wheel and adjust bearings. Wheel acts as a lever when securing locknut.
• Threaded type headsets: Install stem and bars. Align and secure both stem and bars.
• Threadless type headset bikes- align bars and stem, fully secure both.
• Install rear derailleur.
• Install front derailleur. Set height and rotation, but double check settings after cables installed.
• Install brake and shift levers
  • Flat MTB-type bars: install grips and bar ends, if any.
  • Dropbar types: do not wrap bars. Wait to wrap bars at end of work to keep tape clean
• Check true of both wheels. Correct as necessary.
• Adjust hub bearings, if adjustable type.
• Install rear cassette cogs or freewheel.
• Install rim strip, tires and tubes on both front and rear wheels.
• Install rear wheel.
• Install front wheel.
• Install brake housing and cables.
• Install and adjust front and rear brakes. See:
  • Linear Pull Brake Service
  • Dual Pivot Brake Service
  • Cantilever Brake Service
    • Smooth Post
    • Threaded Post
• Install derailleur housing and cables.
• Install and size chain.
• Adjust front and rear derailleurs
• Install saddle on seat post
• Install seat post into frame and adjust saddle position. Fully secure saddle rail binder bolt(s) and secure seat post in frame.
• Install reflectors and or lights
• Dropbar-type bikes: wrap handlebars.
• Don helmet and test ride bike. Readjust as necessary.
• After riding the bike, record your riding position. See Road Position, or MTB Position for printable charts.

In the ever-expanding realm of online tools, Bing Image Creator emerges as a versatile and user-friendly platform, empowering users to explore their creative side. Whether you’re a seasoned designer, a blogger, or an individual seeking to add a personal touch to your digital content, this tool offers a myriad of features to delve into. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of utilizing Bing Image Creator to breathe life into your ideas.

Step 1: Accessing Bing Image Creator

To embark on your creative journey, first, navigate to the Bing Image Creator website. A simple search for “Bing Image Creator” on your preferred search engine will lead you to the platform. Once there, you’ll encounter a clean and intuitive interface, setting the stage for your creative endeavors.

Step 2: Creating a New Project

Initiate your creative process by clicking on the “Create” or “New Project” button. This action opens a blank canvas, providing you with the freedom to start your project from the ground up.

Step 3: Choosing Background and Layout

Bing Image Creator offers a range of background options to establish the mood for your project. From vibrant gradients to solid colors, you can select a background that complements your vision. Additionally, explore various layout options to arrange your elements in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Step 4: Adding Text and Fonts

Convey your message effectively by utilizing the diverse text options available on Bing Image Creator. Experiment with different fonts, sizes, and colors to find the perfect combination that aligns with your style. You can also incorporate text effects to make your words stand out.

Step 5: Incorporating Images and Icons

Enhance your design by seamlessly integrating images and icons from Bing Image Creator’s extensive library. Whether you’re in need of illustrations, photographs, or icons, the platform’s comprehensive collection ensures you’ll find the perfect visual elements to elevate your project.

Step 6: Customizing Elements

Bing Image Creator provides a plethora of customization options for each element on your canvas. Resize, rotate, and adjust the transparency of images and text to achieve the desired look. Experiment with layering to add depth and dimension to your creation.

Step 7: Preview and Save

Before finalizing your masterpiece, take advantage of Bing Image Creator’s preview feature to visualize how your project will appear. Once satisfied, save your creation in your preferred format, whether it’s a JPEG, PNG, or another compatible file type.

Step 8: Sharing Your Creation

Showcase your work to the world by leveraging Bing Image Creator’s sharing options. Whether you want to download the image, share it directly on social media, or generate a shareable link, the platform simplifies the process of exhibiting your creativity.

Bing Image Creator stands as a valuable tool for both individuals and businesses, offering a seamless and enjoyable creative experience. By following these steps, you can unlock the full potential of this platform and transform your ideas into visually stunning digital content. Unleash your creativity with Bing Image Creator and leave your mark in the digital landscape!

Here is another one with another prompt