Because time is money for any business owner/specialist.

People consult with specialists when they need the highest calibre of expertise and insight. Our advisory consultations are part of a paid, professional service powered by a specialist with two university qualifications, a lifetime immersed in hi-fi and over 15 years of experience running Liquid Audio.

Our consultations deliver expertise and other benefits that cannot be found elsewhere and are designed to counter the ‘gurus‘, misinformation and pressure to buy new, inferior equipment so prevalent in this space. It’s an important service, we’re pleased to offer it.

Get the best advice you can find from Mike, and please, stop quoting forum posts as authorities. Only the guys who actually work, live and breathe this stuff really know.

Jon S

Free vs Specialist

We receive requests from around the world, and it’s important to understand that every discussion requires time to engage, respond to questions, analyse equipment, research and calculate technical answers, and provide robust, tailored guidance and solutions. Naturally, we’re focused on customers who value our time and expertise.

“So, you charge for advice? I can get free advice on the internet.”

No, we charge for our time and expertise, even Google understands the difference:

“Free advice offers accessibility but risks being unspecific, unreliable, or lacking depth, whereas a specialist provides tailored, expert guidance for complex or high-stakes situations … For important decisions, investing in a specialist is often the more effective and safer choice.”

Google AI, October 2025

A Modern Problem

A growing problem is individuals who feel ‘entitled’ to assistance. I addressed this a few years ago in an article that received overwhelming support. It’s an odd mindset that, like royalty, one might be ‘owed’ assistance from anyone, let alone people they’ve never even met, yet some do:

‘G’ sought assistance with his Sansui amplifier after enjoying my articles. When I suggested he purchase some discussion time, G exploded: “F*** you, I’m not going to pay you.” OK.

‘K’ read my KD-600 turntable articles, received free phone advice, and then sought guidance on improving his setup. When I explained that he should purchase a consult, K threatened that he knew “Someone in the Australian Tax Office.” K tried to obtain my help years later, hoping I’d forgotten. I haven’t 🙂

‘M’ purchased a consultation that yielded game-changing improvements and an Accuphase amplifier purchase. M somehow ‘forgot’ this and claimed that he’d “Paid for 60 minutes but only received 20”. I sent proof of his 30-minute purchase and the 50 minutes of assistance he received. M back-pedalled, but never apologised.

A Solution

Our advisory service provides expert advice and guidance, tailored to our customers‘ unique needs. I created it partly to reduce time/energy/goodwill-draining interactions like those mentioned, and foster positive, beneficial exchanges with reasonable people. These customers receive the highest calibre of assistance, saving them time and money and delivering outstanding results.

Mike … you, of course, are a gem. We are so lucky to have someone as passionate, intelligent, ethical and hardworking in little ol’ Perth.

David H