Welcome to the Liquid Audio Store.
All inventory currently for sale is listed here. Every piece of equipment for sale has been expertly inspected, cleaned, tested and serviced, and most even come with a three-month warranty. Our attention to detail means you can purchase with confidence and peace of mind.
–> Check out the amazing gear we’ve sold in our Sold Equipment Gallery! <–
And now, on to the latest equipment for sale…
New for Sale: PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC, upgraded and superb!
Check out this beautiful PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC, improved and loved by me in my system, and now ready for a new owner!
I’m having a purge of times from my collection and this NuWave DSD is one of many things that have to go, to make way for new acquisitions including a new (old) CD player, phono preamplifier and more.
The NuWave DSD is an affordable breakthrough digital to analog processor or DAC. Based on the acclaimed Sabre 32 bit Hyperstream architecture, the NuWave DSD accepts inputs from any digital source including I2S, coax, TOSLINK and USB, playing both asynchronous PCM (up to 192/32) and DSD (single or double rate) through our exclusive class A hybrid output stage with either single-ended (RCA) or balanced (XLR) connections.
I’ve been using this PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC with my Meridian 506 24-Bit CD Player, also for sale. This is a really spectacular combination and a killer Redbook CD duo. The NuWave DSD needs a really clean jitter-free digital feed and the Meridian provides it. Having said that, any good digital source will do the job. Feed it a lesser quality stream though and it won’t like it.
You can read a good review, here.
This is from my personal collection and features the improvements I developed for the DAC and which add to this DACs performance and value. I added these improvements to many NuWave DSDs from around Australia, for many very satisfied customers!
This DAC is a sublime performer, especially when the modest cost is factored in. Incredibly, it betters my previous reference Musical Fidelity TriVista 21 DAC in terms of power and control and punches way above its substantial weight.
The NuWave DSD is in pristine original condition and can be purchased for just $1095.
Legendary Meridian 506 24-Bit CD Player
Another beautiful digital piece from my collection, this machine has been my staple disc-spinner for the last few years, taking over from my venerable Sony XA-20ES, also for sale in our store. The 506 24-Bit CD player is regarded as one of the best sounding and constructed CD players available at the time and since. Created by a famous British manufacturer the 506.24 was a very expensive machine when new.
The Meridian is a better player than the Sony, and a little fussier about discs, like a true thoroughbred. I serviced and re-lasered this player a couple of years ago, so she has plenty of life left in her.
The build quality of these players is superb and, used on her own, she is a lovely smooth sounding CD player, far better than machines from even just a few years before she was released. These players are well known for being one of the best transports from the RedBook CD era. Partnered up with a good DAC, you get superb results. I used this 506.24 with my PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC, also for sale.
This Meridian 506 24-Bit CD player is one of the later versions with newer firmware and 24-bit processing, delivering even greater subtlety and detail in the sound. She is in almost perfect, pristine condition and will make her next owner very happy I’m sure.
This iconic Meridian 506 24-Bit CD player can be yours for just $895.
Gorgeous Sony XA-20ES CD Player
Yet another piece of equipment from my excessive personal collection, check out this gorgeous Sony XA-20ES CD Player, with original box and remote. I even have the manual somewhere, if I can find it!
I bought this player brand new, from Douglas Hi-Fi when it was still on Murray Street in Perth. I paid around $1000 AUD for her way back then and she has never missed a beat, an icon of Sony reliability and build quality.
Specifications
Disc format: CD
Digital converter: CXD8505BQ
CD Mechanism: KSS-213B
Frequency response: 2Hz to 20kHz
Digital outputs: coaxial, optical
Dimensions: 430 x 125 x 350mm
Weight: 7.5kg
Accessories: remote commander
Year: 1997
Price: GBP £450 (1997)
I made some small improvements to her but she is essentially factory original, apart from a couple of better op-amps and film caps. She still runs her original laser and performs perfectly. People love these players, they were from Sony’s ES series when that meant something. The frame and beam construction of the machine contributes to the substantial build quality and weight.
I’m sad to say goodbye to this beautiful Sony XA-20ES and the other Redbook CD equipment I’m selling, but CD is far from dead in my system or elsewhere. CD is actually the new vinyl in many ways, offering more and more from discs that are bargain-priced these days and it can sound absolutely superb with the right playback setup, finally, 40 years on from its release.
I’ve just purchased an even better sound new (old) machine and so I have to clear some of my collection. That’s the only reason I’m selling these pieces from my collection! This Sony XA-20ES can be yours for just $650.
Epic NAD Master Series M3 Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier
Just listed for sale and freshly serviced, check out this beautiful and almost pristine NAD Master Series M3 Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier.
This is one of NAD’s most powerful and advanced amplifiers and certainly their most expensive at around $5000 AUD new. The M3 packs a punch with 180 Watts per channel from its dual-mono design, full preamplifier functions, stunning styling and massively heavy build.
You can read this Stereophile review of the M3 and check out the NAD datasheet for more information.
Specifications
Description: Solid-state, two-channel, remote-controlled integrated amplifier with seven line inputs (including one balanced XLR).
Maximum output power at clipping: 220W (23.4dBW)
Continuous average output power: 180Wpc into 4 or 8 ohms (22.5dBW) within rated distortion
Dynamic power: 300Wpc (24.7dBW) into 8 ohms, 520W (27.2dBW) into 4 ohms, 700W (28.4dBW) into 2 ohms
Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.3dB (–3dB at >80kHz)
Damping factor @ 8 ohms: >150
Amplifier input impedance: 20k ohms
Input sensitivity: 1.38V
Signal/noise (A-weighted): >107dB, ref. 1W; >130dB ref. rated power
Total harmonic distortion: <0.004%, 20Hz–20kHz.
Dimensions: 435mm W by 135mm H by 386mm D
Weight: 51.8 lbs (23.5kg) net, 67 lbs (30.5kg) boxed
I recently deeply serviced this lovely NAD M3 and spent quite a few hours on her. I disassembled and cleaned various modules and made all critical electronic adjustments over an extended test period. I was able to have a good listen to her and subsequently lent her to a friend for a few days for a listen. He confirmed that she sounds fantastic, far better than most integrated amplifiers, as you would expect of an amplifier like this.
This NAD M3 is a plum one owner example and comes with her original box, manual and remote.
This stunning example of the NAD Master Series M3 Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier can be yours for $1750. That’s a heck of a lot of amplifier for the money!
Beautiful Rega Jupiter CD Transport and Solar Remote Control.
Take a look at this beauty, newly listed for sale. Featuring a top-loading Sony transport and Rega’s minimalist design aesthetic, the Rega Jupiter has to be one of the coolest CD transports from the heyday of the compact disc. This is truly a cool CD transport, just begging for a really nice DAC to go with it.
The Rega Jupiter is a CD transport only, with coaxial digital out, meaning you’ll need a DAC. Rega planned for you to buy their Io DAC, but any good DAC will work well with this transport, be it in a receiver, streamer, or a dedicated standalone DAC.
So why a transport? Well, a CD transport isolates the mechanical and RF aspects of disc playback from the sensitive analog circuits found in the DAC. This ultimate separation of duties allows for the very best sound quality. It’s the way I do things for CD playback in my own system for example.
The Jupiter is a well-regarded transport from one of the big names in British hi-fi. You can read more about it here. I love the minimalist vibe and red LED display and the top-loading drive is a very nice touch. You simply load a disc and let the lid slowly drop onto the disc, clamping it in place and activating the drive.
Freshly cleaned and serviced, this machine naturally comes with a 3-month warranty, for peace of mind. This Rega Jupiter also comes with the original owners manual and a pristine Solar remote control.
The Solar is a Rega system remote that operates a whole slew of their gear from this era. It’s a super useful thing to have if you already own a Rega system, and collectible now in its own right.
Try to find a single mark on this Solar remote control!
This machine had just one original owner before she came into my possession and is a beautiful example of this now rare CD transport.
This rare Rega Jupiter CD transport and Solar remote can be yours for just $595.
Stunning Nakamichi PA-1 Five Channel Power Amplifier
WOW! I was so pleased to repair and service this monster amplifier and I now present it to you, her potential next owner. Actually, I can’t believe it’s still here!
This rare, five-channel Nakamichi beast weighs a ton. I deal with some heavy amplifiers as you know, but this one is dense! In terms of performance, the PA-1 is highly rated and regarded as an exceptional amp for home cinema or stereo duties. Check out the 4.9/5 rating and reviews over on AudioReview.
Boasting five equal 100 Watt channels of proper old-school linear amplification, no class-D rubbish here, the PA-1 is a made-in-Japan Nakamichi that will drive almost any speakers with ease.
Use it as a stereo amp, bi-amplify a pair of speakers using four channels, or use all five channels driven by a home cinema preamplifier.
Specifications
Nakamichi is one of Japan’s most famous high-end hi-fi manufacturers and most things they made have become highly collectible. The PA-1 is rare and similarly desirable because of its high performance and heavyweight build.
If you’ve seen modern multi-channel amplifiers, you’ll know how many corners are cut to make them affordable. This amp would cost many thousands of dollars if it were made like this and sold now.
This Nakamichi PA-1 is in almost perfect condition. Recently serviced (23-4-21), she’s received a thorough clean, dry joint repair, full service and electronic adjustment, over an extended bench-test cycle.
You can own this stunning, monster Nakamichi PA-1 for just $1750.
Rotel RTC-970 Processor/Tuner/Preamplifier
Also newly listed, this lovely Rotel RTC-970 surround sound processor/tuner/preamplifier is perfect for building a stereo or home cinema system around.
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 $275.
Stunning Sony MDS-JA30ES Minidisc Player
The MDS-JA30ES was Sony’s second from the top-of-the-line minidisc player and an absolute beauty.
This unit is from my personal collection and is in as close to pristine condition as you’ll find. I’ve just given her a full mechanical service, new drive belt, cleaned and lubed the loader and replaced several capacitors in the power supply.
Specifications, courtesy HiFi Engine:
Type: Minidisc Player/Recorder
Track System: 2-channel stereo
Optical Pickup: KMS-210A/J-N
Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz
Frequency Response: 5Hz to 20kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 104dB
Analogue Inputs: 125mV (line)
Analogue Outputs: 2.0V (line)
Digital Inputs: coaxial, optical
Digital Outputs: optical
Dimensions: 430 x 125 x 345mm
Weight: 9.3kg
Accessories: remote control
Year: 1997
There is a problem though, this MDS-JA30ES no longer reliably reads discs. This is a common problem amongst Sony mini-disc players of this era. Sometimes she reads and plays a disc perfectly, other times not.
It most likely just needs a new laser. These are hard to come by and sadly this means that this stunning machine is sold for parts or project work only. She also comes with a pristine remote control. Offers welcome on this one!
Raytheon JAN 5703WB ‘Trivistor’ Vacuum Tubes
Many of you will have seen my articles and videos on the iconic Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 21 Tube DAC. If you need a set of 5703WB vacuum tubes for yours, look no further than these beautiful tubes.
I have 50 – now approx 40 Raytheon 5703WB vacuum tubes available for sale, all from the same production batch. This is the mil-spec triode tube used in the class-A output buffer of the Tri-Vista 21, Tri-Vista SACD Player, the Tri-Vista 300 Integrated Amplifier and others.
This batch of NOS Joint Arm Navy Raytheon 5703W tubes was made in December 1979 and is a rare find. Good examples like these rarely come up for sale. Many I’ve seen are later examples, in tatty boxes, sometimes even used! Remember, with NOS tubes, the older the better, generally speaking.
All boxes are intact and in excellent to perfect condition. All tubes are NOS, never used, in perfect condition.
Grab a pristine NOS set for your Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 21 or other project whilst these early date code units are available. Keep them tucked away for when you need them – if you own equipment that uses them, you will eventually need to replace them.
Priced at just $25 AUD per tube. Remember, these NOS tubes are all from the same 12/1979 production batch.
