Welcome to Liquid Audio’s News Page
On this page, you’ll find the latest Liquid Audio and Liquid Mike news that we’d like to share with you, but don’t necessarily want to write an article about. You’ll find equipment purchases, cool things we are working on, changes to the workshop and hi-fi system, and more.
2026
October
August
Pricing changes?
I’ve not put my rate up in three years, folks, so I’m pondering whether I should/if it might be time. Note: I’ve not yet made any changes, and I may not.
We’re known for the quality of our work, professional service, and sensible rates, and the more I see, the more I realise that, even with our outstanding reputation, I am probably underselling the business and what we do.
The hourly rate spectrum for electronics work in WA ranges from a burger-flipping-$50-per-hour for predictably appalling work to around $400 per hour for excellent work. That’s a big range. Our rate is $150/hr, around 1/3 of the highest, yet we are near the top in terms of quality, knowledge, attention to detail, service and professionalism, which are comparable to the best businesses anywhere. Our rate is therefore low for what we deliver.
Our hourly rate has been in effect since mid-2023, and I’ve been happy to hold it there. Costs have gone up significantly in that time though, and my margins are therefore thinner, so I’m contemplating a modest increase to keep pace with inflation and reflect the quality of service we provide.
We are almost always fully booked as it is, and even with a small increase, I believe the value for money on offer @ Liquid Audio will remain best-in-class. All of that said, I’m only thinking about this right now, and I’ve not made any formal decisions.
August looks like being another huge month!
After my biggest ever month in July of 2026, August has already been a big one and looks set to continue. Look at some of the amazing gear we are working on!
July
Finally getting back to normal, I’ve had one of my biggest months ever, working on a ton of equipment and some high-value jobs.
June
Hopefully recovering slowly now from the worst CFS flare-up I’ve experienced in a few years.
This is why I so value thoughtful customers like George who donated $200 today, just because he “wanted to help support my business” and John, another legendary customer, who cheered me up with these:
May
Check out the brace of end-game Kenwood L-07D direct drive turntables with me at the moment. These are both customer decks, so if you add my L-07D II to the mix, that’s three L-07Ds here at one time, probably half of the entire Australian population!
I also just picked up a pristine original Kenwood/Trio DS-20, the record weight used with the L-07D!
Let the good times roll!
April
Accuphase C-47 phono preamplifier repair – we saved this owner a ton of money!
It’s not often that one of these end-game phono preamplifiers comes up and most will never see or hear, let alone work on one. Well, Ive just repaired this one for my very happy customer in the Northen Territory. I’ll write this story up eventually.
Liquid Audio has just become the official service agent for Plinius in Western Australia!
Wow, now this one is exciting! Some of you will know that I’ve been offered and have declined several official service partnerships, including Naim and PS Audio. I want to ensure that I retain my independence and only represent brands I feel aligned with, if I ever do take up a partnership offer. Well, that opportunity has appeared at the right time.
Plinius, one of the last great manufacturers of truly outstanding hi-fi stereo equipment, like this beautiful Plinius M-16 preamplifier, approached me and asked if I would like to be their official repairer in Western Australia. They explained that they had enjoyed working with me in the past, as I have with them, and that nothing else would change. How could I refuse?!
It will be a pleasure to assist Plinius customers, and this will not in any way affect my existing customer base or anything I do here @ Liquid Audio. It will only add to the long list of great equipment we work on!
February
New desoldering equipment!
I’ve just purchased more Hakko desoldering/rework equipment. This time, I bought Hakko’s most expensive single desoldering station, the beautiful Hakko FR-410. These are not cheap, at $2,700 here in Australia, but tools like this are an investment in my business and reflect the quality of work we are known for.
I previously wrote about my last purchase of an FM-204 desoldering station and FX-100 premium soldering station. So why a new desoldering station? Well, my FM-204 will be put to good use in workshop #1. The new FR-410 can sit in my larger workshop #2, in place of the FM-204.
In terms of how these two compare, I prefer the look and feel of the new FR-410. I also prefer the reusable solder tube, similar to the old hand-held FR-301 desoldering guns I use to use. The FM-204 uses carboard thow-away types and whilst Ive found these can be reused many times per unit, I still prefer the completely reusable type on the FR-410.
The FR-410 also feels more powerful in terms of suction, and it has a little more heating power than the FM-204. The interchangeable tips are also more convenient for me than changing the entire tip and heater assembly of the FM-204, though that also still works well.
Either way, stations like the FR-410 and FM-204 are expensive, but you really do get what you pay for with tools of this quality. This is nothing like the rip-off Chinese stations that people imagine (hope) might be similar. They are not.
“Mike, do you keep old cartridges and headshells..?”
Ah, yeah, I do, a lot of them!!
January
Updated radio zone in workshop #1
New Kelvin test fixture!
I just purchased this beautiful new Kelvin test fixture for my HP 4263A LCR meter. I love this meter, and my old Kelvin cables were getting a bit long in the tooth. This is the same test fixture as the very expensive Rohde and Schwartz LCX-Z2, but sourced from the maufacturer in China, for less than 1/10 the cost.
Reorganising Liquid Audio Workshop #2
Revamping Liquid Audio Workshop #1
November 2025
Check out these cool new Supex vinyl accessories I bought.
October 2025
Incredible ultra-rare one-owner vintage hi-fi equipment donation – many thanks Doug!
That’s right folks, a super collectibe Sansui AU-70, plus many other great pieces have just arrived. I’ll work through and list each piece, as time allows. Some will be sold as-is.
New cartridge and stylus stock has arrived!
I fit so many of these excellent high-value Audio Technica cartridges that I often run low, especially when I have a run of turntable repairs. These will help replenish my stock.
I’ve just landed a mint, new old stock TG-MT arboard for my Luxman PD-350 turntable and Fidelity Research FR-64S tonearm!
August 2025
Mega amplifier time for Liquid Mike. I’ll be working on a range of large amplifiers including an incredible Luxman M-10II, a massive Luxman M-6000, stunning Denon POA-3000. Check the on the bench page for updates!
July 2025
I got another end-game, almost NOS shortwave radio..!
B&W Nautilus 803 Overhaul Completed!
These have come up a treat. Sadly, I seriously put my back out moving these by myself, as I always try to do. At least the results were worth it!
June 2025
B&W Nautilus 803 Overhaul
New Subaru Outback 3.6R for Liquid Mike
