Liquid Audio

Liquid Audio See. Hear. Feel. Bringing you closer to the music you love…from source to speaker. Tuesday to Thursday are appointments only
Friday and Saturday are open days

Supplier of Hi-Fi/AV systems and Linn LP12 specialist, in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

• Sales • Consultancy • Installation • Repairs • Vinyl •

As you know, we are big fans of Heed AudioThe new Obelisk is a personal favourite and a new benchmark for integrated amp...
09/09/2026

As you know, we are big fans of Heed Audio

The new Obelisk is a personal favourite and a new benchmark for integrated amplifiers which marries fantastic performance with serious specification.
In short, there is nothing that can compete at that price-point.

We recently spent some time with the new Obelisk SI (Super Integrated) to see how it stacks up in the new range of amplifiers which is completed by the LaGrange at the top of the tree.
On the face of it, the Obelisk SI follows the same recipe as its smaller brother in terms of connectivity, but benefits from an enhanced circuit topology which uses unique transformers, upgraded capacitors and revised components elsewhere in the signal chain to increase filtering and reduce noise.
In addition, its fascia also benefits from a glass panel which enhances the aesthetic.

You can switch in optional DAC and streaming boards to fine tune the amp to your needs.
It also benefits from the option to use an external power supply which powers and controls the pre-amp section separately, effectively using the SI as the power stage.

We’ll give more detailed information on the test, later this week.

The new week is underway and we’re definitely feeling autumnal. The light has changed, the temperature has dropped and t...
08/09/2026

The new week is underway and we’re definitely feeling autumnal.
The light has changed, the temperature has dropped and the idea of curling up on a comfy sofa to listen to some amazing music is more appealing than ever.

We’re hosting some visitors today, so the Heed Audio Lagrange S and FYNE AUDIO F500s are on sound duty, ably supported by the Ply-Fi Model 1 stands.

Speaking of visitors, we’ve had a lot of compliments recently regarding our turntable offerings.
We try to appeal to all performance levels and with prices starting at £299, there is something for everyone.
Of course, everything comes fully checked, set-up and often built by us, so you’re guaranteed perfect performance on every spin.

We also have pre-loved turntables available. Stock has been reducing in the last couple of weeks, but a nice little Rega P1 is available, along with goodies from Hegel and Naim.

Contact us to book a demo or drop on by.

Let’s talk about…Pro-Ject Audio Systems UKPro-Ject came into being in Austria in 1991 during the age of the compact disc...
06/09/2026

Let’s talk about…Pro-Ject Audio Systems UK

Pro-Ject came into being in Austria in 1991 during the age of the compact disc.
The founder believed vinyl still offered much as a format - particularly at entry-level price points.
Their first turntable was based on an old Czechoslovakian brand called Tesla, sold within mainland Europe.

Following the ‘Velvet Divorce’ in 1993 which followed the ‘Velvet Revolution’ in 1989, the country separated, and Project took over the original Tesla factory in Litovel, in the new Czech Republic.

I first started representing the brand around 1997 and personally owned the 6.1 turntable which was my first ‘suspended’ design.
In 1999, they released the Debut which went on to become hugely popular; setting a new standard for cost-effective turntables.
In 2000, we were one of a handful of UK retailers to be made a Centre of Excellence for the brand and in 2001, we spent a few days in Litovel to tour the facility and train on new products.

During the tour, I wandered into a little room off the main production hall (being the inquisitive type) and found some experimental trial parts. Amongst the racks of spares, I found a clear plinth made of Perspex, stacked amongst some other plinths.
I thought it looked amazing and called over Laurence (owner of the UK distributor Henley Audio) to show him. A brief exchange about market appeal followed and later that year, the limited edition ‘Perspective’ model was released.
It was a great feeling to see that and have it in our shop.

Other models followed such as the RPM range, new versions of the debut were released and the brand continued to flourish.
In 2007, they branched out into electronics with various amplifier and DAC components which subsequently grew to add CD players, headphone amplifiers and phono stages.

Now, the company has grown to supply over 80 countries worldwide and whilst some lines have gone more upmarket, they continue with the ethos of making affordable Hi-Fi for everyone.

We’re closing a little earlier today to spend some time with our extended family. After almost 6 years in Stourbridge, t...
05/09/2026

We’re closing a little earlier today to spend some time with our extended family.
After almost 6 years in Stourbridge, the good ship Record Culture is closing its doors to the physical shop. The business is, thankfully, continuing and will remain local, but the closing of the shop is a big deal.

When Lee first opened the doors to his shack on Smithfield Market in 2019, I was so grateful to have a local record store.
Despite its diminutive size, there was much to offer. Not only his experience and knowledge, but the desire to build something for music lovers.

Two years later, the first proper bricks and mortar version of RC came into being. A wonderful moment given he had to navigate Covid just months after opening.
There was much more space for people and stock, so the community grew…

For many, life has become ‘on demand’ over the last decade to the point where monthly subscriptions have invaded all aspects. This isn’t a sustainable way to live.
Music was one of the first to suffer this indignity. It dilutes the art, and funnels vast wealth away from the artist and supply chain, to those who control its distribution to market.

Physical media is everything in the truest sense.
You have something to directly connect you to the artist, you build your ritual and most of all, you fully engage with the music.
There are still so many people that have not even heard physical discs being played on a dedicated system. I see it first-hand and it blows my mind.

The people who operate independent record shops are special. They are the ones who, despite a broken system of distribution and increasing restrictions on availability of product, deliver day in and day out for music lovers.
They curate, recommend, build relationships, and offer so many ways to help you get more from what you love. That’s just the tip of the iceberg…

The community built around RC is so very special. Whilst that may not go away, it will certainly be diminished.
Without the opportunity to simply bump into others which has been the basis of so many worthwhile topics of discussion, music recommendations and even friendships, the collective is all the poorer for it.

So what’s the takeaway?
Support your local record dealer, always. Not the greed machines of HMV and Amazon.
That coloured vinyl that can only be bought from one source? That steals a sale from your local dealer, too.
Over the space of a year, that can change a business that thrives, to one that struggles. The same goes for any independent business.

Keep it local…and if you can’t keep it local, keep it independent.

www.recordculture.com

05/09/2026

For several reasons, it feels like the last strains of summer today, so I wanted to capture the walk to the shop in this glorious sunlight.
The JQ always looks great, but it can’t be beat on a day like today.

It’s a streaming day today as there is much admin to catch up on, so the new albums from Russian Circles Chat Pile and Arab Strap will be on constant rotation.

We’ll also be closing at 15:00 today so if you’re dropping by, please be aware.

04/09/2026

Here are some of the pre-loved items we currently have available.

See the link in the comments for more details.

We’re starting off the day with some silver discs. They’ve been neglected for a while and after hearing some great TV so...
04/09/2026

We’re starting off the day with some silver discs. They’ve been neglected for a while and after hearing some great TV soundtracks this last week, it’s time for a little nostalgia trip.

The Audio Note (UK) Ltd CDT Two/II and DAC 2.1x Signature are on spin duty with this classic slice of Radiohead which I probably haven’t listened to for about 25 years, so looking forward to getting reintroduced with fresh ears.

Elsewhere, it’s business as usual. Here until 16:00…have a great weekend.

Hana cartridges have just announced a new version of their entry point, the EL/EH. This elliptical MC cartridge offers s...
03/09/2026

Hana cartridges have just announced a new version of their entry point, the EL/EH.

This elliptical MC cartridge offers significant performance for its modest price. Now, it’s following in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the S, and had been upgraded to the Mk II version.

The E Mk II now benefits from the body upgrade originally introduced on the M and also present on the S Mk II. This includes a brass plate on the top of the body which improves vibration dampening, and the interface with the tonearm.

Internally, improvements have been made to the generator and coil assembly to bring its specification in line with the other models, leaving the stylus type as being the key defining element.

The S Mk II was a serious jump over the original model so if the E can replicate that success, it will be unbeatable for its price.

02/09/2026

Mark your calendars. On Friday and Saturday the 23rd & 24th of October, we will be hosting Cyrus Audio for a weekend of the new 80 Series streaming amplifiers.

The integrated has just been released and the pre/power is scheduled for the end of this year, so it’s a great opportunity hear them back to back.

As impressive as they have been at this year’s shows, they are another level in a more realistic, listening environment.

More details to follow.

September starts after our brief break and it’s straight back to business. We’re setting up for some demos, so there’s p...
01/09/2026

September starts after our brief break and it’s straight back to business.

We’re setting up for some demos, so there’s plenty of equipment switching to take care of.
Of course, we need a soundtrack for the day so the new albums from The Afghan Whigs and Russian Circles are our spins of the day.

Our Audio Note (UK) Ltd Level 2 system comprising the TT2 Deluxe, 35th Anniversary Oto Phono SE Signature, and ANJ-LX will be delivering the goods today.
Even though the amp is stone cold, it sounds soooo good. It’s amazing what the team have done to improve what was already, a wonderful amplifier.

Anyway, much to do. Here until 16:00

Address

3, Warstone Lane (Unit 7)
Birmingham
B186JE

Opening Hours

Tuesday 4pm - 8pm
Wednesday 4pm - 8pm
Thursday 4pm - 8pm
Friday 12:30pm - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Liquid Audio posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Liquid Audio:

Shortcuts

Share

Category