All the equipment and accessories on these pages have been sold but you are welcome to browse. Keep an eye on the store for the latest equipment for sale.
Rotel RTC-970 Tuner/Preamp
This lovely Rotel RTC-970 surround sound processor/tuner/preamplifier is perfect for building a stereo or home cinema system.
UPDATE: Sold!
This tuner/preamplifier supports five channels, though you can use it as a stereo tuner and preamplifier in almost any system, so it is very flexible. Use it as a tuner, use it as a preamp, or both!
This almost pristine example comes with a new mains plug, original remote control and owner’s manual. Here is the owner’s manual in PDF.
You can own this lovely Rotel tuner/preamplifier for just $150.
SOLD!
Technics SU-Z22 Integrated Amplifier, One Owner!
This stunning little Technics SU-Z22 is also available as part of a complete hi-fi system, in the systems section, below.
UPDATE: Sold, finally, to a very sensible buyer!
This little 35 Watt per channel beauty from 1982 comes via her original owner and is a capable and complete little hi-fi stereo amplifier.
She features tone controls, cool fluorescent power meters, a phono preamplifier and a headphone amplifier for all your listening needs.
Just serviced, she comes with a warranty, manual and the knowledge that one of Australia’s most trusted specialists is selling her. A bargain at $350.
UPDATE: Sold!
Yamaha CDC-655 5-Disc Compact Disc Player
Just serviced, this classic Yamaha CDC-655 CD player has two new belts and runs very nicely.
UPDATE: Sold!
This classic player is perfect for those wanting to enjoy their CDs but change discs less often! Just $195.
Classic Jensen Model 20 Bookshelf Speakers, One Owner!
What a gorgeous pair of speakers! The woofers have just had their surrounds replaced and they are in tip-top shape, apart from some slight cabinet damage on one of the boxes. Otherwise, these are just about perfect!
UPDATE: Sold!
Grab these beauties for just $195.
JBL Basswave Subwoofer
Just in, this classic JBL Basswave subwoofer. You can stick these anywhere you want, but corners give the greatest output. This little beauty will add bottom-end oomph to any small system.
UPDATE: Sold!
Another bargain at just $150!
Pioneer SX-255R Stereo Receiver
Technics SA-GX670 Stereo Receiver
Akai AA-R21 AM/FM Stereo Receiver
Technics SU-V2 Integrated Amplifier
Yamaha K-960 Cassette Deck with DBX
Optonica RT-2050 Cassette Deck
Pioneer CT-506 Cassette Deck
Nakamichi Tuner 2, One Owner!
Look at this lovely Nakamichi Tuner 2 FM tuner. She comes from a one-owner home and will be loved by her next owner I’m sure.
This gorgeous tuner can be yours for $295.
UPDATE: Sold!
Technics RS-M215 Cassette Deck, One Owner!
Another beauty available as part of the complete system you’ll find down in the systems area, this lovely Technics RS-M215 cassette deck sounds so much better than it has a right to!
UPDATE: Sold!
I’ve just cleaned and serviced her, demagnetised the rec/pb head, fixed the muted output issue so many of these decks have and lubricated the mech, for flawless, smooth operation.
Again, one-owner, serviced, with manual, and just $295.
Stunning One Owner Hi-Fi Stereo System, Technics, Teac, Jensen!
We’re all about bringing you lovely, high-value hi-fi equipment here at Liquid Audio and this little system is a great example of that.
You can read about each part where they are listed in the relevant sections above. What a system though and this is how the original owner purchased it, back in 1982. I know because he told me when I collected it!
Consisting of Technics SU-Z22 integrated amplifier, Technics RS-M215 cassette deck, Teac TX-550 Tuner and Jensen Model 20 bookshelf speakers, this original one-owner system is just begging for a nice new home!
I’ll even include some cables, plus all the original documentation.
Priced individually, the total comes to $1130, but if you want the lot, grab this entire vintage hi-fi system for just $995.
Technics SL-D212 Direct-Drive Turntable, One Owner!
Yes, this beautiful and just serviced Technics SL-D212 forms part of the complete one-owner system you’ll find in the systems section, but it can be purchased separately, as well.
Update: SOLD!
The SL-D212 is a technics budget classic. Featuring a quality direct-drive motor, nice tonearm and good cartridge, this deck sounded great when I listened to her after service.
As you’d expect, all the deck mechanisms and motor have been cleaned, lubricated and adjusted to perfection.
Remember: with Liquid Audio you get a warranty, she’s been properly serviced rather than some random seller telling you it has been, and a cartridge upgrade to an Audio Technica VM-95ML is available too. A bargain at $495.
Ariston RD-80 Transcription belt-drive turntable, with Grace G-707 tonearm. Wow!
That’s right, just in and fully serviced by Liquid Audio of course, this stunning, classic Ariston RD-80 transcription turntable with Grace G-707 tonearm and A&R Cambridge moving magnet cartridge and Garrot Bros stylus.
Update: SOLD!
As you can see, this Ariston RD-80 from Great Britain is in beautiful condition for her age and running perfectly.
What a combination. I’ve just adjusted the suspension, fitted a new belt, and set up the tonearm and cartridge geometry. She is purring and just crushes cheap new turntables at the $1000 price point.
Seriously, what would you rather have: plastic junk or a classic turntable made from metal and wood, from the golden era?
This little beauty is for someone looking for a vintage vinyl classic, or maybe their first decent deck. Just $895.
Teac TX-550 AM/FM Stereo Tuner, One Owner!
Another little gem here and available as part of the same one-owner system in the systems section below.
UPDATE: Sold!
This Teac TX-550 is a proper AM/FM stereo tuner, fully analog, and sounds just wonderful on good broadcasts.
Comes with a warranty, manual and FM ribbon antenna. An absolute bargain at $150.
Stunning Accuphase C-202 Class-A Balanced Preamplifier
Yes, folks the time has come and this one is a very reluctant sale indeed. From my own personal collection comes this absolutely stunning Accuphase C-202 class-A preamplifier, a preamp that has been at the heart of my system for ten years!
UPDATE: Sold!
This pristine Accuphase C-202 features a fully balanced, symmetrical design, class-A throughout and JFETs at all critical stages, meaning this is a seriously amazing-sounding preamp. I’ve written about it and reviewed it here. You can also read all about it in Accuphase’s own downloadable PDF of the original brochure.
Some of my favourite features of the Accuphase C-202 include the built-in headphone amplifier, front panel accessible RCA inputs and dedicated balanced CD (or other line-level) input with separate volume control. This input bypasses some circuit blocks and yields an ultra-pure signal path, with dedicated ALPS volume control. I also really like the multiple outputs, allowing you to switch a sub in and out for example, or link through to a home cinema system.
Technically, I love the end-to-end balanced, DC-coupled, class-A discrete design, the massive power supply and local capacitance to deliver super-low impedance power supply rails, the JFETs and pure balanced input.
Specifications
Frequency response: 1Hz to 400kHz, DC coupled baby!
Total harmonic distortion: 0.005%
Gain: 20dB (line)
Input sensitivity: 200mV (line)
Signal-to-noise ratio: 110dB (line)
Output: 2V (Pre out), 10V (Pre out Max)
Semiconductors: 110 x transistors, 54 x FET, 12 x IC, 79 x diodes
Dimensions: 475 x 135 x 373mm
Weight: 11kg
Since then, I completely overhauled and restored this unit and it sounded even better after this work, which was completed about three years ago. I’ve also serviced the unit including making all eight or so electronic adjustments several times since I’ve owned her.
Faultlessly reliable and incredibly clean and neutral-sounding, these Accuphase preamplifiers really are extraordinary. To purchase something like this now at current retail prices, you would easily exceed $10,000 AUD.
Once again, I’m only selling her because I’ve just bought an even better Accuphase preamplifier and I can’t justify having multiple pieces like this. This beautiful and almost pristine Accuphase C-202 line-level preamp is configured for 240V operation, recently overhauled with premium parts, and serviced. I think I even have the owner’s manual somewhere!
It should go without saying that purchasing something like this from me is quite unlike buying an example from Japan or eBay, in unknown condition, with unknown service history and likely needing work. This C-202 comes from my system and includes a three-month warranty and full service support. Try getting that somewhere else!
This beautiful Accuphase preamp can be yours for $2750. UPDATE: Sold!
Now, if you’re thinking “Mike, I know you are a vinyl nut, so how do you play records?” Good question, see the next two listings!
Beautiful Cayin Phono-1 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier
Wow, now this Cayin Phono-1, again from my collection, is a serious phono preamp. It’s so serious in fact that apart from the three twin triode tubes, it uses shielded step-up transformers for the moving coil gain stage, something I’m always saying is one of the very best ways of dealing with tiny MC signals.
UPDATE: Sold!
The Cayin Phono-1 is a $3000 USD phono preamplifier of very high build quality and sonic performance and that high price tag is from a few years ago now. This one also comes from my system and I’ve been using it to great effect with my Accuphase C-202 line-level preamp, for sale in the previous listing.
This is a serious nugget of a phono preamp and really shows you how things like this should be built, as opposed to how most affordable gear like this IS built! The Phono-1 weighs in at 13kg, which is almost impossibly heavy for its size. One look inside and you’ll see just how well-made it is too:
I’ve replaced all three tubes (in 2022) with special low-noise variants of the 12AX7 and improved the local grounding which really improved the already excellent performance. This preamp is dead quiet, especially given that she has a transformer-based MC section and utilises the finest quality components and hard wiring.
Specifications
Inputs (Gold Plated): (1) pair RCA MC High, (1) pair RCA MC Low
Outputs (Gold Plated): (1) pair RCA
Power Cord: Detachable power cord with IEC chassis mount receptacle
Tube Compliment: (3) 12AX7
Frequency Response: +25 dB / 0dB / -25db 10Hz 1KhHz 25KHz
THD: 0.1%
S/N Ratio: 87dB
Input resistance: 100 Ohms (MC High), 47 Ohms (MC Low)
Input sensitivity: 4mV, 40mV Maximum
Output: 2000mV, 20V Maximum
Gain (1KHz): 54dB (MC High), 63dB (MC Low)
Power requirement: AC 120V +/- 5%, 50~60Hz
Power consumption: 15W
Weight: 28.6 Pounds / 13 kg
Dimensions (WxDxH): 17″ x 12.4″ x 4.8″ / 43 cm x 31.5 cm x 12 cm
I actually had an amusing conversation with a local valve gear manufacturer (Hall of Shame case #16) who reckoned his products were well made. Well, this Cayin Phono-1 absolutely destroys his and most other locally-made gear in terms of build quality.
This locally delivered Cayin Phono-1 is set to run on 240V and is in immaculate, original condition. Grab this stunning phono preamp with box, near-new tubes and a three-month warranty for just $1750.
Wonderful Perreaux SM2 Class-A Preamplifier
And yet another piece from my collection here for sale folks as I have a serious purge of gear that I own. This absolutely wonderful Perreaux SM2 class-A preamplifier was my staple for many years and is an extraordinarily good preamp for silly money.
UPDATE: Sold!
Much has been written about Peter Perreaux’s wonderful series of gear including the SM2 and PMF-5150 power amplifier which I still own and use every day. The SM2 though was always something special, being a fully discrete class-A preamplifier with excellent built-in MM/MC phono preamp, customisable capacitive and resistive loading for MM and MC cartridges respectively and a discrete FET output buffer that can swing more than 20V through the output sockets!
You can read more about the Perreaux SM2 in this great article.
Specifications
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 50 kHz, ±0.25 dB, yes, a quarter of a dB.
Input Sensitivity: MC phono, 200 uV rms at 1 kHz; MM phono, 2 mV rms at 1 kHz; all others, 110 mV rms.
Input Impedance: MC and MM phono, 50 kilohms, 100 pF; all others, 25 kilohms.
Input Overload: MC phono, 120 mV rms at 1 kHz; MM phono, 1.2 V rms at 1 kHz; all others, 50 V.
Output Level: Main, rated 1.4 V rms, max. 27 V rms, into 10 kilohms or higher; tape, 110 mV.
Output Impedance: Main, 470 ohms; tape, 2 kilohms.
Distortion (TIM and IM): Phono, 0.005%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz at rated sensitivity, 0.01% at 0.9-V input at 1 kHz; all others, less than 0.0009%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz at rated sensitivity, 0.008% at 26-V output at 1 kHz into 10 kilohms or higher.
Noise (Inputs Loaded): MM pho no, -86 dB re: 10-mV input, -78 dB (-86 dBA) re: 2 ‘TA/ at 1-kHz in; MC phono,- 64 dB (- 72 dBA) re: 250 uV; all others,-104 dB (-108 dBA).
Output Stage Phase Accuracy: ± 1°, 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Channel Separation: 70 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Dimensions: 19 in. (48.3 cm) W x 12.5 in. (31.8 cm) D x 2.1 in. (5.3 cm) H.
Weight: 11 lbs. (5 kg).
Price: $1,299.00 (in 1984!)
I used this exclusively after being introduced to these by a friend many years ago. I bought this one and refurbished her, using her until making several other system changes in recent years. This beautiful design from New Zealand puts other locally-made designs I’ve worked on to shame in terms of build, design and performance.
I’ve worked on many SM2s and SM3s over the years. This one has the Zener diode modification I make to these, it’s been recently re-biased and serviced and I extensively overhauled and upgraded her to SM3 spec in most regards when I first bought her. I’m sure she will give many more years of reliable service.
This is another one I probably shouldn’t sell, but again, I have WAY too much equipment here. I’m going to regret this, but this pristine Perreaux SM2 class-A preamplifier that will destroy any affordable new equipment can be yours for $1250.
Restored B&K ST-140 MOSFET Power Amplifier
Look at this little gem, the absolute classic and very highly regarded B&K ST-140 MOSFET power amplifier, this one was recently restored and serviced.
UPDATE: Sold!
Much has been written about the B&K ST-140, but this primer from Stereophile is a great starting point. The ST-140 is a very simple power amplifier utilising the classic and beautiful-sounding Hitachi 2SJ50/2SK135 MOSFET. The ST-140 uses one pair of devices per channel, an often praised configuration in terms of electronic simplicity.
The amp is rated at 70 Watts per channel but tested at around 100 Watts according to Stereophile and the rating was later revised to 100 Watts a side. Either way, it’s plenty in most systems and listeners familiar with the beguiling and tube-like qualities of MOSFETs will understand why they are used to this day in the very best class-A amplifier from Accuphase for example, and others. My PMF-5150 uses something like 16 pairs of very similar devices!
Specifications
Description: Solid-state stereo power amplifier
Output power: 70Wpc into 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz; 105Wpc into 8 ohms measured, continuous power
Distortion: 0.09% THD
Dynamic headroom: 3.2 dB
Frequency response: 3Hz-70kHz ±3dB
Input impedance: 24.3k ohms
Sensitivity: 1.1V for full output
Dimensions: 19″ W by 6″ H by 15″ D. Weight: 25 lbs / 11.5 kg
This example has been overhauled with all board-mounted electrolytic capacitors replaced with premium parts, new premium silpads for the MOSFETs and polypropylene film bypass capacitors installed in the power supply.
This is a stunning-sounding amplifier, and also beautifully built. She can be yours for $1250.
Beautiful Cayin CDT-17A CD Player with New Laser & Mech!
That’s right folks, I”m selling my beautiful-sounding Cayin CDT-17A CD player.
UPDATE: Sold!
This stunning 16kg player features a discrete tube class-A output buffer which is no doubt part of the reason for the magical sound. It also utilises two Burr Brown PCM1792 DAC chips in dual differential mode, allowing for a proper hardware-balanced output through those twin triodes.
The Cayin CDT-17A thankfully comes from one of China’s really good, large manufacturers and was very well-reviewed when released about 15 years ago. You can read more about it here, and here. The player weighs a ton and is seriously well-made.
Specifications
Disc format: CD
Digital converter: 2 x PCM1792, 24 bit
CD Mechanism: Sony
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Dynamic range: 120dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 92dB
Channel separation: 100dB
Line output: 2.3V
Digital connections: coaxial, optical
Valve complement: 4 x 6922
Dimensions: 440 x 130 x 390mm
Weight: 16kg
Finish: Silver
Year: 2005 – 2010
This Cayin CDT-17A player comes from my personal collection and I recently serviced the unit and installed a brand-new complete mech, including the spindle motor and laser, to ensure reliability into the future. This laser has less than 20 hours of use.
I bought the player because of how great it sounds, around two years ago. My reason for the sale now is the same as it always is – I have upgraded to an even better-sounding solution and have waaaaay too much equipment!
This lovely player works perfectly and comes with box and original remote. It’s a lovely metal remote and works well, but some of the buttons require a couple of pushes.
I also have a pair of stunning West German-made Siemens E88CC/6922 tubes that can be fitted in either the single-ended or balanced output positions. These have been tested and significantly improve performance. These NOS Siemens tubes are $500 for the pair.
The Cayin CDT-17A is a seriously heavyweight player and one of the nicest one-box solutions I’ve heard. It’s a locally delivered 240V unit and sold for over $4000 AUD new. I’m selling this perfect example with a brand-new laser for $1750. West-German-made Siemens NOS (minus a few hours) tubes can be added for $500.
UPDATE: Sold!
Lovely Meridian G07 24-Bit CD Player
Also newly available is this lovely Meridian G07 CD player, in immaculate original condition. This player was donated to me, in need of repair. Apparently, the owner had been told she was not repairable, but as so often happens, this turned out to be another incorrect assessment.
UPDATE: Sold!
Naturally, I repaired her, she runs beautifully and is now available for purchase!
This stunning high-end player retailed for $4000 AUD back in the mid-naughties and, whilst she doesn’t sound quite as nice as the Cayin CDT-17A above, she is a lovely-sounding player nonetheless, and a bit nicer to use, thanks to Meridian’s experience making serious CD players.
The Meridian G07 is a 24-bit machine meaning the resolution of the DAC is considerably greater than that of the Redbook CD format itself. Meridian described the G07 as a high-end 24-bit compact disc player with a class-A output stage.
Specifications
Disc format: CD
Digital converter: AD1852, Delta Sigma 24-bit, 192kHz
CD Mechanism: DVS DSL-710A
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 99dB
Total harmonic distortion: 0.003%
Line output: 2.3V
Digital connections: coaxial, optical
Dimensions: 440 x 90 x 350mm
Weight: 9kg
Accessories: remote control
Year: 2004
Price: GBP £1595 (2004)
My recent work on this player involved a power supply repair and service. She comes in her original box, with paperwork and a Meridian system remote control.
This lovely one original owner Meridian G07 with box, papers and remote can be yours for just $1250.
UPDATE: Sold!
