Friday, 1 August 2025

Amp / Speaker switcher & analog VU meter


I bought this to 2-way switch between my digital surround amp and analog tube amplifier connecting my front monitors, and of course, to visualize the VU meters. 

The Douk Audio VU3 Audio switcher box and VU meter has a powerful design and excellent compatibility: all channels have a fully isolated design, and the GND of each channel is independent without mutual interference. Supports all types of amplifiers, such as BTL/Class A/Class B/Class D digital amplifiers/tube amplifiers, etc. High-quality components ensure the best possible performance of the VU3.

Highly accurate VU meter (dual 60*35mm meters) with peak LED display and a perfect match for the custom-made VU driver board. Backlight brightness adjustment: 4-level adjustment (can be disabled).

Built-in large power load resistor with metal wire winding, each channel supports up to 300W of power.
Fully isolated transformer for audio signal acquisition, preventing crosstalk from the VU driver board, ensuring clear and clean sound.

Solid CNC all-aluminum alloy housing, large pure copper banana jacks ensure minimal signal attenuation during transmission.
Includes: 5V power supply and remote control.
AliExpress price: €90 with discount




Sunday, 27 July 2025

Apple Carplay in the BMW

CarPlay / Android interface for BMW Z4 E89 CIC-system
  • Brand: Bonroad 
  • Wireless incl. Bluetooth, Airplay & Mirror connection
  • Suitable for your existing 10.25" lcd screen (flip-out)
  • While retaining original functions
  • With retention of steering wheel controls and original iDrive knob control
  • AliExpress €130



Thursday, 5 June 2025

BMW z4 maintenance

My regular maintenance garage Veldhuizen BMW en Mini specialist in Scherpenzeel (6 km): 

June 2025:
After 25.000 km in 6 month the Z4 needs a major service:
in addition to new filters, oil and spark plugs, Jorren also recommended 6 new ignition coils (bobine's).
Total price approx. €600 + €300


Oktober 2025:
Two new rear tires:
Runflat tyres front/rear: 225/40R18 / 255/35R18  (Bridgestone Potenza RE050A)
Incl. balancing and mounting: €560

Sunday, 1 June 2025

Holiday in Spain

Together with Jolanda 9 days to Calella, 11 to 20 June

Flight Eindhoven --> Barcelona
June 11, 2025 - 18:20 - 20:25
Transavia Airlines HV 6789

Miami Park *** Aparthotel
Calella (Costa Barcelona)
accommodation 9 nights
located in city centre
550m to the beach
Living: approx. 35 m² with double sofa bed, balcony, airco, tv, safe, Wi-Fi
Kichenette: microwave, electric hob, fridge, toaster and coffee maker
Bedroom: double bed 1.5m 
Bathroom: bath, toilet

Flight Barcelona --> Eindhoven
June 20, 2025 - 13:45 - 16:00
Transavia Airlines HV 6788

Prices: flight + hotel: TUI €620 pp
1x suitcase 20kg: 2x €53
rental Fiat 500: €270

It is extra nice that Rave, who lives in Barcelona, ​​has his birthday on June 12



Monday, 26 May 2025

Saturday, 24 May 2025

Eastman 12-string acoustic guitar

Eastman model E1D12-DLX, 12-string electro-acoustic guitar


All solid wood dreadnought model with Thermo-cure spruce top, mahogany neck, sapele back and sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge. 
Fishman Presys VT pickup with pre-amp built in.

The top is treated by a special drying process at a high temperature, commonly known as "baking" or "torrefaction". The Thermo-cured process makes the sound louder across the entire frequency range!
Finished with a gloss lacquer.


Specifications:

• Material: Top: Solid Solid Sitka Spruce
                  Back/Sides: Solid Sapele (Afican mahogany)
                  Neck: Mahogany
                  Fingerboard: Ebony
                  Bridge/Saddle: Ebony/Bone 54,8 mm
                  Nut: Bone 47,6 mm
• Finish:     Body Top/Back/Sides: Truetone Gloss
• Fingerboard Radius: 12"
• Neck Profile: Traditional Even "C"
• Fretwire: 20 Jescar-FW43080
• Scale Length: 645 mm (25.4")
• Body Dimensions: 16" x 4-23/32"
• Bracings: Hand Scalloped X
• Truss Rod: Dual Acting (4mm wrench)
• Binding: Top and Back: Tortoise
• Pickguard: Tortoise Shell
• Inlay Dots / Logo : Pearl
• Tuners: Open-Gear PingWell V93N 3+3 
• Electronics: Fishman Presys VT
• Strings: D'Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light (.012 - .053)
• Action Height 12th fret: 2,4mm bass side and 1,6mm treble side
• Case: Deluxe padded Eastman gig bag
• Price new: €999, occasion in mint condition: Klundert Music: €699


Monday, 12 May 2025

The Wrong War - Chords by Ron

Tuning: E A D G B E
Key: Am
Capo: 1st fret



[Intro]
Am   Em   Am   Em



[Verse 1]

Am                             Asus4     Am  

Who  is  so  wrong ,   Why?     Why?


Em                             Em+B1    Em

What  is  so  strong ,  you can’t deny


G                                      G+B1        G+B3

Where shit happens and where did it burn?


D                                        Dsus4          D

Why do we allow this and what did we learn?



[Chorus]

                      C                                    G        G+B1          G

Bombing on Ki-ev,    do you wanna have … a war, in your  backyard?


                      C                                    C                G        G+B1     G

Bombing on Ki-ev,    do you really wanna have? … my gosh  its so   hard!  

                                                                              ... Putin ... you’re a bastard!


[Verse 2]

Am                                        Asus4           Am 

Christine and Svetlana,    they play on the street


Em                                         Em+B1       Em

Record some happy songs,  that people need


G                                  G+B1        G+B3

One hour later ….  at the site of the strike


D                                          Dsus4      D

They just turned twenty and didn’t survive



[Chorus]

                                                              C                    G+B1      G

War took away their lives,   War took their voices … a piece    of our   soul


                            C                                                          G+B1           G

War brings us loo…sers ,   War brings us misery  … so tell me   what is the goal?






Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Sunglasses

Emporio Armani EA4033 5229T3
  • Polarized lenses
  • Frame made of strong and lightweight nylon and durable propionate
  • Gray lenses for neutral vision. See everything in natural colors
  • Category 3: between 82% and 92% light absorption
  • Price €177 at Pearl




Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Raymond Weil

Swiss made men's watch Raymond Weil Geneve, 
model: Tango #5381
18k gold plated watch with white rectangular dial

Condition: Beautiful condition, barely any marks or scratches, almost mint.

Features:
•  Quartz 7 jewels
•  Caliber ETA 956.112
•  Roman Numeral hour markers, date display
•  Case and bracelet: 18k yellow gold plating
•  Glass: curved scratch-resistant sapphire crystal (flawless)
•  Water resistance: 50 metres
•  Night time luminosity to reflective gold hands
•  Applied reflective gold Roman Numeral hour markers
•  Bracelet 19 cm: Satin finish stainless steel with polished finish  
   18k yellow gold plated accents, double-fold clasp
•  Size: 28 x 34mm case size excluding crown and lugs
•  Price Catawiki €391 (excl.)




Friday, 14 March 2025

Seiko 5 - Automatic Day Date



A beautiful and high-quality watch from Seiko, reference number SNKL81K1 from the Seiko 5 series.
This Seiko is fully automatic and works on the movement of the wrist. This watch has a rotor that moves while wearing and therefore winds a spring. This automatic movement (Seiko Caliber 7S26) is of high quality and has a ticking number of 21600 which guarantees accurate time.
Please note! An automatic watch that is not worn will eventually stop after 2 days. 
Comes in the original Seiko Box with all official Seiko certificates.

Features:
Made in Japan
Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet (18 mm)
Automatic Movement (Seiko Caliber 7S26)
21 Jewels 
Glass of Hardlex Crystal 
Gold Dial and Analog Display 
Luminous Hands And Markers 
Day And Date Display 
See Through Case Back
Watch strap with folding clasp
Water Resistance 30M
Case Diameter: 36 mm 
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Garanty 2 year

Will be shipped insured by Chronoseur NL (Catawiki)
Price €200


Monday, 17 February 2025

Turntable Fischer MT-6225

The Fischer MT-6225 semi-automatic turntable I ordered from HiFiStereo.nl is same the turntable wich I listened and loved from 1978 to ±1990, I then gave it away, LPs and all, to a friend ... stupid, stupid ... I still regret it.
Fisher was part of Sanyo, later Panasonic. Quality audio, as this sleek semi-automatic turntable shows. It is equipped with a Shure V15III element, which stylus can be improved with an hyper-eliptical needle. After more than a year I could pick up the serviced record player in Woerden. Unfortunately it turned out that it did not transmit a signal on one side and another element with a new needle was placed (AT-130e).
I connect the record player to a Phono preamplifier (Tonar Vinyline MM/MC €150) that I ordered with it.
Price Fisher MT-6225: €450 


Unique linear motor drive system
The Fisher MT-6225 direct drive turntable employs a very unique linear motor drive system, very different from some of the other direct-drive turntables on today's market. If a comparison is made, the most obvious difference is the utmost simplicity of the MT-6225, and since this is an electromechanical device, simplicity translates into long-term stability and reliability.

Some of the most outstanding features of this unique drive system are that the turntable platter is the rotor of the motor, that there are no electrical connections to the rotor, that the rotor has no armature windings and that all the complicated electronic circuitry is in a stationary (non moving) position on a single PC board mounted into the turntable base.



Fisher MT6225:  A Major Technological Advance in Turntable Engineering

The worlds first linear motor direct drive turntable
One of the problems in improving turntable performance, especially with direct drive systems, is the difficulry of reducing woa and flutter due to cogging action of the direct drive motor.
With its limited number of poles (usually 12) , a conventional direct drive system has an inherent problem, at its relatively slow operating speed, of low starting torque.
To solve these problems and improve turntable performance, Fisher has engineered the linear motor, 120 pole direct drive systems.

The Platter is The Motor
In effect, the platter becomes the motor of the MT6225. and Fisher's 120 pole design practically eliminates cogging action and wow and flutter - to a totally inaudible 0,03%
And the linear motor direct drive system further reduces turntable rumble to an extremely low -70 dB, so far below hearing level to be completely inaudible.

How it works
A continuous ring of magnetic material, containing, 120 magnetic poles, is attached to the inside bottom rim of the platter. As the platter rotates, each pole opposes one of the electromagnetic drivers on the base top. Each of the 120 poles is attracted or repelled as it passes the driving electromagnets for smooth, stable operation.

An electronic sensing device monitors the platter's speed, and acts as a servo feedback control to maintain practically perfect speed accuracy. A built-in strobe and pitch controls are provided. The speed accuracy of the system is independent of line voltage fluctuations.

The Arm
The handsomely styled Fisher MT6225 is equipped with a professional type horizontal and vertical gimbal suspended tone arm for performance commensurate with its technologically advanced design.

The arm accepts all standard cartridges. The auto-return system which returns the arm to rest at the end of a record is also an advanced design with no restraints on its lateral or vertical motion during operation.

The arm has adjustable tracking force with calibrated settings from 0,6 to 3,5 grams. There's also precise variable anti-skate, and viscous damped cueing. The MT6225 also has an aluminum alloy die cast platter, and a walnut grain vinyl veneer wood base.


Specifications
Motor: Linear Direct Drive
Wow and Flutter: 0,03% (WRMS), Rumble: -70 dB
Speed Variation: ±0,5% , Speed Control Range: ±3%
Tracking Force Range: 0,6 - 3,5 grams
Platter: Die cast aluminum, Diameter: 329 mm, Weight: 1 kg
Record Speed Selector: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
Tone-arm: S-shape form
Resonance: less than 10 Hz, Effective Length: 222 mm
Bearing Type Horizontal : Thrust 
Friction Sensitivity : 0,15 gram
Vertical : Pivot
Friction Sensitivity : 0,2 gram
Max. Tracking Error: ±1,5°
Anti-skate: adjustable control
Cueing: Viscous damped
Power Requirements: 110-220 VAC 50/60 Hz
Dimensions (WxDxH): 450 x 365 x 152 mm
Weight: 8,0 kg



update maart '25:

AT-VM95ML Microlinear stereo MM (Moving Magnet) element:

Nude diamond stylus with microlinear profile provides high frequency response with less wear and distortion than elliptical or conventional linear contact styluses.

Every cartridge diamond stylus becomes worn after a period of play.
Around 500 hours for a conical stylus, 300 hours for an Elliptical stylus, 1000 hours for a Microlinear stylus, and 800 hours for a Shibata stylus.

Microlinear full diamond stylus
Aluminum Cantilever
Dual moving magnet
Output voltage: 3.5mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec.)
Vertical Tracking force: 1.8-2.2 gr. (standard: 2.0 gram)
Vertical Tracking Angle: 23˚
Stylus Radius: 2.2 x 0.12 mm
Frequency Response: 20 - 25,000 Hz
Channel Separation: 23 dB (1kHz)
Output Channel Balance: 1.5 dB (1kHz)
Cartridge Weight: 6.1 gr.

Replacement stylus is the AT-VMN95ML (€149)
Compatible with all styluses from the AT-VM95 series
Albepro: €169




Sunday, 19 January 2025

Luxman LV105 hybrid amplifier


An update for my HiFi system with this Luxman LV-105 hybrid amplifier with two 6CG7 triode tubes as preamplifier. The power amplification is done by mosfets. The LV-105's marriage of solid-state power and tube warmth made it a coveted choice among audiophiles seeking a harmonious blend of classic and modern sound technologies.

I connected it to the pre-out of the Maranz SR7300 AV receiver, as a separate amplifier for the two KEF R300 3-way stereo front speakers.

Three analog inputs are connected:

A.  (phono)
The Fisher turntable with AudioTechnica AT-VM95ML cartrige and nude diamond microlinear stylus via the Phono MM input.

B.  (tape 1)
I use the Marantz 7.1 surround amp. with the excellent Crystel 6-ch DAC for all digital inputs: 
  • TV (55" Philips Ambilight) with Chromecast integrated (ZiggoGo, Filmnet, YouTube, Spotify, Radio) connected by toslink. (TV)
  • KODI: Raspberry Pi with HiFiBerry Digi+ module for playing my own music collection with Kodi, easy to operate by TV remote control.
    An 4TB hard disk contains MP3, FLAC, DTS and Video files that are connected to this mini computer which is connected by HDMI to TV and toslink to receiver (cd).
  • Sony Blueray/DVD/SACD player connected by digital interlink cable and HDMI to TV (DVD).
The 6-channel power amp amplifies any DTS surround sound to the KEF surround speakers, the frontspeaker and LFE to the active subwoofer (Infinity). The HiFi stereo pre-out is connected via the Luxman to the KEF R300 3-way monitors.

C.  (tape2)
The Logitech Bluetooth receiver connected the my iPad (or iPhone).

Conclusion:
Very smooth sound with good imaging and air. The instrument separation, deep soundstage and insanely clean noise floor continuously blow my mind ;-)



Specifications:
    • Power output: 70 watts per channel @ 8Ω
    • Frequency response: 10 to 100kHz
    • Total harmonic distortion: 0.025%
    • Input sensitivity: 0.125mV (MC), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
    • Signal to noise ratio: 70dB (MC), 90dB (MM), 110dB (line)
    • Dimensions: 438 x 148 x 353mm
    • Weight: 10,2 kg
    • Price Catawiki auction €290!


Saturday, 11 January 2025

Dual CS515 turntable - FOR SALE

Bought this replacement turntable local for €60 because I have been waiting for my Fischer turntable for over a year and it has still not been delivered.


Brand: Dual
Model: CS515
Belt drive
Semi-automatic (shut-off)
Speeds: 33 and 45 rpm
ULM ultra light tonearm
Ortofon cartridge with elliptical needle
Dust cover
Year of construction: 1985




Sunday, 5 January 2025

Emergency package

My emergency package consist:
  • Generator:
    Powerkick 800 outdoor 4T inverter on gasoline €280)
    - 4h on 2L. fuel (Alkylate fuel Aspen4 - 5L €25)
    - Jerry tank incl. 10 gasoline Euro98
    - motor oil 10W40, extension Powercord
  • Tools in bag:
    - Cordless drill, multi-tool and LED light: Stanley FatmaxV2 (2x Accu 2Ah)
    - Multitool, pocket knife, Zippo Lighter, Tyrips, Ducttape, claw Hammer
    - Flashlight led
  • Waterfilter Sawyer mini (€45) / Aquatabs (€10)
  • Water bottle 2x 5L. Spa / Water bag 10L. foldable
  • Emergency radio
  • iPad, Spare iPhone, (In Safe: Labtops, HD's, etc.)
  • Powerbank, cables usb, batteries, iPad, Spare iPhone
  • Toilet paper, moist wipes
  • Rescue blankets (€2,50)
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency food ration: MRE9 energy bars 7 days (€49)
  • Driver's license/passport/insurance/spare keys/cash (min. €100)
  • Travelling bag leather 30L. with clothing and toiletries.






Saturday, 4 January 2025

Chiptuning BMW

Benefits tuning by Chiptuning Ede, Dima
Fahrenheitstraat 5A, 6716 BR Ede
Tel:- 0318 250 555
  • More power and strength
  • Less gear shifting
  • More agility due to smoother engine running
  • Improved fuel consumption with ‘same’ driving style
  • No influence on APK
  • 2-5 years warranty


High-quality Stage 1 tuning

Vehicle: BMW Z4 3.5i (E89) engine: N54
Price:     €280 
Power:  306 -> 370 hp
Torque: 400 -> 500 Nm


Tuesday, 5 November 2024

BMW Z4 sDrive35i Executive



BMW Z4 35i sDrive Executive

Model: Z4 E89 (2nd generation Z4)
Year : 2011
Mileage : 105.600 km
Color : Tiefsee Blau Metallic
Interior : Ivory White Leather/Alcantarra
Fuel : Gasoline E95/E98
Transmission : Automatic 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
Motor : N54B30A inline 2.979 cc 6-cylinder TwinTurbo Intercooler
Power : 225 kW (306 hp) @ 5800 rpm
Torque : 400nm @1300-5000 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h : 5,1 sec 
Topspeed : 250 km/u  (limited)
Dealer maintained, from 1st dutch owner, 6 months garanty,
   apk and servicing with fresh fluids and filters.
Licence plate :  


OPTIONAL PACKAGES

Sport package
  • Adaptive M Suspension
  • Leather Sport Seats: 10-way power-adjustable incl. lumbar and thigh support and side bolsters.
  • Leather Sport Steering Wheel, multi-functional with paddle shifters.
  • 18" Multi Spoke (Style 293) light alloy wheels 
    Runflat tyres front/rear: 225-40-R18 / 255-35-R18 (Bridgestone Potenza RE050A)

BMW Premium Comfort Packages
  • Ivory White Leather Package (Exclusivleder Elfenbeinweiss) stiched Silk Nappa/Alcantara upholstery
    with dashboard trim: Anthracite fineline hardwood
  • Dual-zone climate control (micro-filter, recirculation, windshield misting sensor,
    Max A/C function, heat at rest and recall of individual user settings)
  • Keyless comfort access system
  • Lighting Package (ambient indoor lighting)
  • Audio and Navigation Packages:
    -  BMW iDrive CIC (retractable screen and controller)
    -  Navigation 3D full map
    -  Harddisk 80 Gb
    -  Radio/CD/DVD/MP3/USB
    -  HiFi speaker system

MORE COMFORT AND OPTIONS
  • Bi-Xenon Adaptive Headlights with auto-leveling and light sensor
  • High beam assist
  • Heated Seats: 3-stage, Heated Steering Wheel
  • Driver seat/mirror memory
  • Interior mirror auto-dimming
  • Exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated
  • Central door locking with remote control (2x)
  • Electric retractable Hardtop (can be opened with the wireless key)
  • Parking Distance Control: rear and front sensors
  • Automatic windshield wipers with rain sensor
  • Wind deflector integrated in roll bars
  • Airbags: driver, passenger and sides
  • Alarm class: 3
  • Servotronic: electromagnetic power steering
  • Driving Dynamics Control with normal, sport and sport+ modes
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Brake Fade Compensation,
    Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying and Brake Stand-by features,
    Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Cruise control, dynamic with braking function

SIZES, WEIGHTS, CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS

  • LxWxH: 424x179x129 cm
  • Wheelbase: 250 cm
  • Tank capacity: 55 litres
  • Weight empty: 1.500 kg
  • Loading capacity: 355 kg
  • City/Highway/Average: 7.9/14.5/11.1  km per liter
  • CO2 emission: 210 g/km, energy label: F 


 

       







Friday, 1 November 2024

OBD2 adapter for Bimmercode BMW

OBDLINK CX 

100% coverage for Bimmercode 
Bluetooth 5.1 BLE 
Works with iPhone/iOS & Android,
Car Coding, OBD II Diagnostic Scanner.
Amazon: €99





[BimmerCode]
  • BimmerCode lets you code your BMW yourself, customise it to your needs and unlock hidden features.
  • Coding can bring out hidden features like Video in Motion (TV canceller), Daytime Running Lights and Sport Display, or disable the Legal Discriminator and Seatbelt Alarm.
  • With the BimmerCode smartphone app and this OBD2 adapter, anyone can easily perform coding.
  • BimmerCode has a backup function that allows you to restore the ECU to its original state at any time.
  • Refer to BimmerCode's official ‘Quick Start Guide’ for information on setting up the adapter connection, basic coding and restoring backups.


[BimmerLink]
  • With BimmerLink, you can connect to your BMW and perform professional maintenance such as diagnosis and battery monitoring easily with a smartphone app.
  • BimmerLink is not just a diagnostic app, but also a sub-monitor that displays real-time sensor readings, remote exhaust valve control, remote active sound design, DPF regeneration on diesel vehicles, battery registration required after battery replacement. The BimmerCode also offers a parking brake maintenance mode when repairing or replacing the electric parking brake, and a service set after maintenance such as oil changes.
  • The compatible adapters are the same as those of the BimmerCode.