Because for all of us, time is money, and as a specialist with a unique knowledge and skillset, I need to charge for my time.

Free vs Specialist

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

Like all aspects of this business, our consultation services are a serious endeavour that delivers deep expertise and many other benefits to our customers and is specifically designed to counter the misinformation that pervades this space. If this all makes sense, we’re here for you.

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

Time = Money

A uni-educated specialist (rather than a fake ‘engineer’, for example) drives this service and sits behind every word and image you see here.. Every consult requires time to engage, respond to questions, analyse equipment, research and calculate technical answers, and provide robust, tailored solutions and guidance. It’s work.

“So, you charge for advice?”

No, I charge for my time.

“But I can get free advice on the internet.”

You can, so let’s read what the internet itself says about that:

“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, though it comes at a cost … For important decisions, investing in a specialist is often the more effective and safer choice.”

Google AI, October 2025

Entitlement

Some believe they are ‘entitled’ to assistance, a concept I addressed in an article that received overwhelming community support. People who generate no business often have the greatest expectations, as if they are owed something. I’ve been contributing to the hi-fi community for over 15 years. I don’t owe anybody anything.

Examples

G: ‘G’ sought assistance with his expensive 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.”

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

M: ‘M’ purchased a 30-minute consultation, yielding a game-changing Accuphase amplifier purchase. Unfortunately, and I suspect after drinking, M ranted 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, but received no apology.

Exchange

Our advisory service consultations provide expert advice and guidance, tailored to our customers’ unique needs. It’s an exceptional service, loved by many, and being a paid service means it reduces time/energy/goodwill-draining interactions and fosters 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