Frequently asked questions about vintage vs modern hi-fi equipment and why older gear is often more desirable, more reliable and sounds as good or better!
I’ll happily assist with an equipment assessment and condition report if bookings are available. Just check our booking status table or contact us via the contact page. However, suppose you’re asking for an equipment valuation over the phone or for me to maybe drive a considerable distance to provide this service for free. We don’t […]
Only as much as necessary to carefully complete the work you’ve asked us to do, and no more. Liquid Audio specialises in preserving and rejuvenating classic hi-fi stereo equipment and delivers exceptional service, results and value. We’re thrilled to assist customers from around Australia and beyond and honoured that the hi-fi community trusts Liquid Audio.
System resolution limitations or ‘bottlenecks’ are critically important as they define the maximum performance attainable with a given set of equipment. This is actually the most critical thing to understand about any system. Think of it this way: You can have the best pair of speakers and the most amazing source equipment in the world,
What are system resolution limitations and why are they important? Read More »
Generally no, unless you can have equipment inspected and you understand that PayPal offers no buyer protection on Gumtree. You need to be careful when buying anything like expensive equipment on Gumtree, a local classifieds selling platform here in Australia. Did you know sellers can circumvent the buyer protection that normally exists when you use PayPal? Suso
Amplification is the heart of any system and to improve it, I suggest you focus on three main areas. These can be broadly grouped into: 1) reducing integration, 2) obtaining better-engineered/built equipment, and 3), getting better bang-per-buck, meaning pre-owned, older equipment. Let’s examine each of these in turn. Integration Integration refers to how many functions
Do you mean those ‘affordable’ modern phono preamplifiers that cost $1000 or more, contain about $50 worth of parts if you’re lucky and sound ordinary? Not a lot. You first need to understand that I’ve been spoiled by great phono preamps made when vinyl was at its peak. Much of the excellent equipment from that
Mike, what do you think of affordable, modern phono preamplifiers? Read More »
Better than many have heard but not as good as many think! For those looking for the TLDR: The Denon DL-103 MC cartridge is probably the best available for higher mass arms like my Fidelity Research FR-64S at the low $400 asking price. The DL-103 is one of my favourite budget cartridges and great value
Cassette decks offer a ton of fun and a real ‘blast from the past’ user experience, but there are a few things to consider before you go crazy. I love cassette decks and own several really nice ones. That said, cassette decks are amongst the most complex hi-fi gear and generally require the most maintenance
Generally speaking, I suggest you don’t buy equipment in poor condition. I know that everyone wants a bargain and buying equipment in poor condition is often perceived as a bargain. Sadly, there is no escaping the fact that equipment in poor condition tends to be less reliable and less repairable than similar gear in good
What are your thoughts on buying equipment in poor condition? Read More »
No, almost all rare transistor types on eBay are fakes. The TLDR is that some parts are no longer available and that’s a certainty. If unavailable parts suddenly appear on eBay or other places selling to the general public, often in mainland China, walk away, unless you like throwing money away. This point about retailers
