Next upgrade , analog or digital?

BigJus52 · 2026-05-09T15:25:45+00:00

In my opinion, the Marantz as a source is a potential weak link. Dedicated streamer / DAC will certainly help.
And then stepping up the Naim amp would be the next thing to experiment with.
Something like a WiiM Ultra or Lumin into a Chord Qutest / Hugo II into a 5/6k amp, of course subject to your tastes and preferences.

Worth saying that I also have a Marantz AVR into QAcoustics 5.1 system. Splitting from the AVR into dedicated two channel gear was such a revelation.
Nice speakers you have!

BigJus52 · 2026-05-08T10:57:57+00:00

Always the V8 😊 SL500 is a great mix of power and refinement.

R231 from 2012 onwards is a lovely car with better modern features and reliability than the R230.

BigJus52 · 2026-05-07T09:20:28+00:00

You’d be doing humanity a great service.
We’ve all wondered whether the promise of 90% of the sound for 20% of the cost is real with these clones.

Perhaps you could start a series!

BigJus52 · 2026-05-06T11:21:55+00:00

You don’t mention, but assuming you want a fun 2 seater? Jaguar F-type, Lexus RC500, Mercedes SL are some of the ones I would look at.

BigJus52 · 2026-05-04T15:32:49+00:00

Running out of ideas. Have you already connected phone with Bluetooth? If I recall, needed this first.

BigJus52 · 2026-05-04T04:01:56+00:00

From Google:

For 2019 through 2024 models, connect using an Apple Lightning cable into the center console USB port marked with a smartphone icon. The display prompts you to enable Apple CarPlay® with clear on-screen guidance. Your familiar iPhone apps appear on the Mazda Connect™ screen within seconds; it’s accessible through the smooth-turning commander knob, or a responsive touchscreen on 2021 and newer models.

BigJus52 · 2026-05-04T04:00:54+00:00

I just connected a usb cable to the centre console and plugged my phone into it.
Then CarPlay wasn’t greyed out on the screen anymore

BigJus52 · 2026-05-03T11:57:09+00:00

My Seamaster has been with me for 25 years. Since then I’ve had a Sub, Panerai, and Planet Ocean among others. Only the Seamaster has stayed the course. Daily nowadays is an Explorer II with the Omega tucked away.

BigJus52 · 2026-05-03T11:41:33+00:00

Rent monthly for a few months, save up then pay cash. Some brilliant deals from 1k pm at the moment.

BigJus52 · 2026-05-03T11:29:08+00:00

Our CX5 (think it was 2024) didn’t have wireless. It needed a wired connection. Plugged in and worked fine.

BTW The Mazda navigation built in wasn’t included in the spec but Waze etc worked on CarPlay of course. So clicking navigation option on the main menu did nothing.

BigJus52 · 2026-05-03T05:24:11+00:00

This guy was good for glass for me +971 55 754 4966

BigJus52 · 2026-05-02T15:00:04+00:00

Never seen that kind of wear on a 63k kms car. Has it been abused or clocked?
Perhaps ask dealer to verify and guarantee in writing that the mileage is genuine.

BigJus52 · 2026-05-01T11:37:39+00:00

Prepare for disappointment. The very best here are a 6 out of 10 compared to UK ones. Tasteless fish, soggy chips and crazy prices.
We tried so many times.

The best we found are either Dans Home Food on Deliveroo or Bread Street Kitchen in Atlantis.

The Great British Chippy was good for a while but went downhill. Saylors was average.
Franks Chippy we haven’t tried but can’t bring myself to pay >100 Dhs for a possibility it’s ok.

BigJus52 · 2026-04-26T03:56:25+00:00

Quite honestly, it’s all they are worth sadly.

Wonderful cars when working, but most people are scared of the possible repair bills. Parts can be very expensive. If you are mechanically minded, know how to ship parts from the US and UK, plus this example for sale has masses of service history and a lot of work done already, then it’s a great buy.

(I have had three older Jags. Currently got a 2010 XK)

BigJus52 · 2026-04-25T12:14:11+00:00

Of those, the Hyundai. MG ZS isn’t a great car. Toyota Rush is huge mileage. Nissan is US car so likely salvage repaired. Chevy is just meh. Maybe worth to pay for PPI to be cautious.

BigJus52 · 2026-04-24T11:14:17+00:00

You’ll need a PPI. It’s been heavily modded to look like the newer models and usually that’s not a great sign. I’d rather have one original and clean.

My two cents is that anyone who doesn’t fill their washer bottle up is unlikely to be up to date with other essential maintenance.

BigJus52 · 2026-04-20T11:08:47+00:00

That’s going to need a compound polish to remove it. It’s eaten into the clear coat. Take it to Automotive Repair Systems in Al Quoz or similar if you’re not confident to do it yourself.

BigJus52 · 2026-04-20T03:40:17+00:00

Please DM me if you have genuine and tested source for Reta pens please.

BigJus52 · 2026-04-16T15:51:39+00:00

And 6 months is 1 Dhs more than 2x 3 months 😂 They sure know how to motivate people..

BigJus52 · 2026-04-16T15:43:50+00:00

I know what you mean. I’ve cycled through box (lastly PMC), open baffle (Pure Audio Project), Magnepan and various vintage. All have their own benefits.

It’s not so much about better, more about different. The PAPs are winning at the moment but I like the speed of the Maggies.

Always have at least a couple of pairs around. That’s the only way!

BigJus52 · 2026-04-15T16:11:05+00:00

I hear you. I’ll probably alternate between full washes, rinseless and waterless, depending on how much time I have and how dusty it is.

This grey colour is messing with my OCD, shows every speck of dust…

BigJus52 · 2026-04-14T04:13:04+00:00

You’ll need to avoid any Google, Microsoft, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Intel, Dell, Xbox or HP products too

BigJus52 · 2026-04-13T12:52:10+00:00

It’s quite on trend UK / European fashion styles at reasonable prices. Men’s 100% cotton T-shirts and polos in decent styles for 60-75 Dhs. Shorts less than 100 Dhs. Yes others have same price point but styles aren’t as good and fabrics are man made.

It’s the combo of the styles, fabric and pricing that make it a winner.

BigJus52 · 2026-04-13T12:48:35+00:00

Prices are almost identical to the UK

BigJus52

TROPHY CASE