For now; desktop system sorted 👍🏼
Source: Apple Music via M4 Mac Mini > Fosi Audio ZH3 DAC > Van Damme XLR cables > JBL 305P Mk II monitors
At a later date I'll be adding a turntable; but not rushing into that as it'll be an expensive doo buying that and then the vinyl I want 😏
After a few weeks of looking & thinking; I've settled on this system:
Speakers / monitors: https://www.amazon.co.uk/JBL-Powered-Active-Refere...
DAC: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fosi-Audio-ZH3-AKM4493SEQ...
Source will be Apple Music / Internet Radio etc via my M4 Mac Mini > USB > Fosi DAC and Van Damme XLR cables to the JBLs
The Fosi DAC ticks one huge box and that it has an RCA line in; perfect for my future thoughts on a turntable (which one I'm not sure yet; but the Audio Technica LP120XUSB and Rega Planar One Plus tick a lot of boxes for me - plug n play (built in amp) and simple enough to just enjoy without too much faff
Having had the JBLs bigger brothers (308P Mk II monitors) before; I know their sound and how much I liked it; so they tick the boxes in that sense also
Will get some pics up when it all lands with me and I get it set up
After looking and looking; I think I'm going to go down the active/powered speaker route for my home-office system rather than separates, as to be fair, that just opens up a can of worms, plus it's more bits/cables/plugs etc and I could do without that
But one thing I do want to do in the very near future is rekindle my vinyl collection and start using it again and build it up a bit...
Im considering either of the above KEF speakers (more than likely 2nd hand/well looked after/ex-demo etc) to be used with my M4 Mac Mini via Airplay 2 initially, and then add a TT with a built in phono amp (ie. Rega Planar 1 Plus) via RCA to 3.5mm
Does anyone run a similar system to this, if so, how do you find it?
I'm having a change around of my office and sold my ADAM monitors on (I didn't gel with them as well as I thought I would; a little bit too clinical at times)
I'm contemplating on going back to hifi separates; but one thing I'd like to stick to as best as I can is small footprint
So I'm considering the SMSL or Fosi amps such as:
- SMSL: https://www.amazon.co.uk/AO300-PRO-Amplifier-2-1Ch...
- Fosi: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fosi-Audio-Integrated-Amp...
And a few similar others; to pair with the likes of KEF R100s - music via my Mac Mini/Apple Music and potentially opening up to a vinyl set up too (turntable with a built in phono amp for simple connection etc)
Has anyone got any experience of these amps or similar; if so, how do you find them sound wise & power wise?
I'm also considering the usual suspects like the NAD D3020 V2 / D3045 or D7050 amps too
I did think re the Cyrus and Rega offerings, but they're still big lumps really!
I've had a good look around but can't see much - I'm holding on my my iPhone 15PM to trade in for the 18 when that's released
There are a few listed on eBay UK already, but in all honesty my preference is to get it bought outright etc
And has anyone got their Fold 8 yet here in the UK (jammy sods) 😂
I'm rearranging my home office and have bought an IKEA desk, mounted my 27" LG monitor on a VESA stand which clamps to the back of the desk, so I'm considering a pair of the above speakers to (to begin with) sit on a set of 10" heavy steel desktop speaker stands, and once my office has been redecorated, and new carpet down; then I'll more than likely sit them on a set of mass loaded Atacama stands...
What I'd like to know is has anyone had these as a side by side demo, and how did they sound near field and then as a standard stereo set up?
🍾 I've finally landed my very 1st contract starting next Monday 👌🏼
I took VR from a global BigTech company last July; had July to December off, as personal leave, and then Jan until now, this year; I've run my own Limited Company on a fractional basis, looking after a few long-standing clients (I specialise in Tech/Digital/GTM recruitment)
Having run my own business before for 14 years up until CV19 kicked in; I did not want to repeat this, but it's got me by and brought in some income whilst I've been applying for jobs left, right & centre...
My conclusion with the industry that I'm in (which is more delivery / talent orientated rather than bog standard recruitment); is that a majority of business a) want people in the office (I can't accommodate that due to ongoing health 'niggles') and b) they want yes people, and I am not a yes-person, at all... 😂
After a few interviews (last week and then yesterday with the COO); I've been offered the job today as a Senior Talent Partner, initial 6month contract on a day-rate, with a very strong potential of it becoming perm, which I'm super-chuffed about and can't wait to get cracking
‼️ To end this - If you're an experienced DevOps / Platform Engineer / Developer (back-end, front-end, full stack etc) in the UK, with full ability to work in the UK (absolutely no sponsorship or relocation, due to UK security clearance requirements) then ping me a direct message on here and we can have a chat about the current requirements at the company I'll be with from Monday 3rd Aug 2026 👍🏼
🍾 I've finally landed my very 1st contract starting next Monday 👌🏼
I took VR from a global BigTech company last July; had July to December off, as personal leave, and then Jan until now, this year; I've run my own Limited Company on a fractional basis, looking after a few long-standing clients (I specialise in Tech/Digital/GTM recruitment)
Having run my own business before for 14 years up until CV19 kicked in; I did not want to repeat this, but it's got me by and brought in some income whilst I've been applying for jobs left, right & centre...
My conclusion with the industry that I'm in (which is more delivery / talent orientated rather than bog standard recruitment); is that a majority of business a) want people in the office (I can't accommodate that due to ongoing health 'niggles') and b) they want yes people, and I am not a yes-person, at all... 😂
After a few interviews (last week and then yesterday with the COO); I've been offered the job today as a Senior Talent Partner, initial 6month contract on a day-rate, with a very strong potential of it becoming perm, which I'm super-chuffed about and can't wait to get cracking
‼️ To end this - If you're an experienced DevOps / Platform Engineer / Developer (back-end, front-end, full stack etc) then ping me a direct message on here and we can have a chat about the current requirements at the company I'll be with from Monday 3rd Aug 2026 👍🏼
Wife got home from work and said the dash pinged up low coolant... That'll be why!
Replacement coolant flange ordered (Febi Bilstein), 10l Comma G48 coolant ordered and a coolant drip try to catch the old stuff); nice job for me later this week 🤬🤦🏼♂️
This Ultimal rugged case for my Galaxy Watch Ultra as I've been cutting oak for most of the afternoon in readiness to get it split and stacked to season nicely for Winter 2027
Wanted full protection for my watch and this case/strap does the job nicely 👌🏼 Plus it's super easy to clean
Received this yesterday via Amazon UK; alongside the Spigen case and an Anker 100w charger
Made the move from my M1 Mac Mini as I wanted a more portable device; mainly for my business but also for personal, and I have a full home-office set up based around a 27" 4k LG monitor on my desk (VESA mounted) and my SMSL DAC and ADAM A5X monitors
Gone from M1 Mac Mini 8GB/256GB to M5 24GB/512GB - the M1 was still fast; but the MBA is like greased lightning!
*** warning: if you're triggered by someone using a case on their Macbook then this probably isn't the thread for you... *** 😂🙄
I'm in the UK and have an S25U, bought outright via Amazon UK, and on the Three network.
Our broadband has been down all day but I've not been able to tether my M1 Mac Mini on the most recent MacOS to my S25U via mobile tethering
It sees it, connects, but then drops; and it's rinse and repeat after that. Password is simple, MAC is set to phone and not randomised, and I've tried it on just 2.4Ghz as well as 2.4/5Ghz etc - no difference.
Had anyone else experienced this / any suggestions?
I've reset both devices, same issue etc
Overhauled the front brakes a few weeks ago, Textar 2 piece discs and Textar pads + new Bosch wear sensor.
All 4 brake calipers got a full wire brushing, deep clean and then refurbished in silver. And I gave all 4 wheels a DIY refurb too.
They're not perfect but they're much better than the lerbed, lacquer peeled wheels they were before!
And last Friday I gave the whole car a full wash, decontamination, lathered in snow foam, clay mitted, re-washed and towel dried, and then a full going over with my DA, Lake Country pads, and Koch Chemie 8.02 hard cut first, and 6.01 Cut & Finish for the final pass.
Washed it again and then towel dried, and each panel coated with Soft99 Fusso Dark.
Yesterday it got a quick wash and the a coating of PoorBoys Black Hole sealant. Superb stuff but has no longevity at all...
Bought this as bit of an upgrade to the Spigen rubber bumper case, keeps the watch well protected but looks classier at the same time
Was about £15 on Amazon UK
Nomad unfortunately don't make the Rocky Point strap for the Galaxy Watch Ultra, so I made my own via Amazon UK
Spigen rugged case, Amazon special watch strap and all done...
Fits well, comfy and well protected 👌🏼
Moved back to the S25U and Galaxy Watch Ultra after a month with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Pixel Watch 4 45mm - just wasn’t happy with either, more so the watch
I’ve fitted the S25U into an Otterbox Commuter case for the S26U - fits perfectly and its got strong MagSafe magnets - why they didn’t do the MagSafe version for the S25U I do not know…
I'm gonna be a lumberjack today as I've a lot of oak to chainsaw down to size, to then split and season for our woodburner...
So the rugged strap is required 👍🏼
Moved back to my S25 Ultra and the Watch Ultra 2025 version.
Just couldn't get on with the Pixel Watch 4 45mm and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a superb device, but not for me...
Forgot how good the watch ultra is, and got it brand new / sealed via eBay UK for £275 delivered!
Fitted it with an Ultimal velcro strap and a case for now as I've been doing a lot in the gardens today, and a few bits on my car, so didn't want to catch it / damage it etc
Purchased this a few weeks ago; as soon as I saw the first picture I'd bought it without seeing it 😂
Got it home and started to give it my level of OCD
So far it's had a thorough in-depth interior clean; all glass cleaned, dashcam fitted (front & rear), satnav upgraded thanks to Rusty at satnavupgrades.co.uk - I've deep cleaned all the leather with Dr Leather and Furniture Clinic products; refurbed the steering wheel best as I can with a Furniture Clinic kit.
I've got brand new Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sports to be fitted this week sometime and then I'll have a bash at DIY refurbing the wheels myself.
I've also got Textar 2-piece discs and Textar pads in the garage ready for me to fit (once it's cooled down) with new OE BMWM wear sensors
Hardly been anywhere in it yet; but where I have been I've gone the long way round and it's a superb car; the engine is super-smooth and quiet; it pulls like a train as you'd expect too
I've already given it one Liqui Moly engine flush, new oil & filter and Liqui Moly Ceratec; I'll run that for a few weeks and then I'll repeat and go with a 5W40 oil, Mahle filter and Ceratec again
Long term plans are full cooling system and suspension overhaul and probably a set of Bilstein B12s; but for now, it'll do as it is
Just a quick pic to show off my new ADAM T5V monitors for my office desktop system - music/source is my M1 Mac Mini feeding my SMSL DO100 DAC via USB C and cables are Van Damme XLRs - stands are ones I bought off Amazon UK and I've mass-loaded them with Atacama Atabites leftover from my audiophile/hifi days - they do a superb job of weighting the stands down
It's a great system; my background noise system for when I'm working, and then my hifi system for when I was to listen to music (I have a nearly 80 year old Art Deco velour armchair I wheel into the 'sweet spot' 😂 or if I want to watch a movie in peace whilst the wife's watching her stuff on the TV etc
I don't mix/make music at all; I just prefer the true un-coloured sound from monitors over general hifi speakers and the ADAMs do all I need of them
I am thinking of getting the ADAM sub; but it's not a necessity, just a nice to have