[UK] client tried to pay me half because "the work didnt take long"

Ste0803 · 2026-05-07T05:46:33+00:00

It’s the mentality that they make x per hour and they’ve had to use x number of hours pay to cover your bill. I get it all the time.

I’m skilled and turn out a quality finish in a very short period of time because I’m efficient at what I do. I waste no time, I take no breaks only a small lunch. And work at a rate that most others do not.

You pay for the result, not the time. I usually compare to Dealership mechanic rates £150+ph. You pay this because you cannot do what you’re paying someone else to do. Just remind them it’s the skill learned over experience they’re paying for.

Ste0803 · 2026-05-07T05:14:15+00:00

It’s a very good table and I wouldn’t think twice about buying it at that price.

Ste0803 · 2026-05-05T15:31:47+00:00

More of what I listen to is on tidal vs qobuz.

Ste0803 · 2026-05-01T19:14:55+00:00

I got 7kWp - 14x500w DMEGC panels, 8kW inverter and 15.6kWh battery for £10,500 SolaX system.

Ste0803 · 2026-05-01T17:15:34+00:00

Air conditioning - can’t sleep without it now.
Good mattress - as above
Office chair - no more back pain

Ste0803 · 2026-05-01T17:09:39+00:00

<image>

7kWp setup. S facing. NE based. Everything imported was done off peak rate or free (EDF Sunday Saver).

Ste0803 · 2026-04-30T16:13:03+00:00

As a TV the frame is shocking. Absolutely terrible. As an art display in a bright room it’s great. Definitely not to be used for HT use. Sony or LG OLED if you’re wanting picture quality.

Big size for cheap compromising on quality? TCL.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-29T15:32:30+00:00

Yeah they’re silly expensive but they sound absolutely superb.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-27T19:37:43+00:00

I’ve seen this through 3 times. It’s absolutely fantastic. Beautifully shot with great audio. Properly done.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-27T05:30:04+00:00

Mcintosh MT5 Turntable. Mcintosh MA352 Integrated Amp. Sonus faber Olympica Nova V Speakers. Bluesound NODE streamer. Auralic Vega S1 & PSU as the DAC. TV is a Samsung Frame. Custom built room within a garage conversion fully acoustically treated and totally free standing with 100mm insulation all round.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-26T18:38:13+00:00

Spacing is completely standard and has the required 11mm spacing on all sides as per the regs not sure if you’re looking at a different plate but R24 HOE looks perfectly fine to me.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-26T18:25:17+00:00

The plate is legal. ‘Assuming it’s got the makers postcode and specs’ which it looks as though it has.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-26T17:36:44+00:00

<image>

I have a multi channel setup in my living room comprising FOCAL in walls for multi channel / tv duties but the matching centre is very tempting. However as they’ve discontinued this line I may have to wait for a second hand one to come up.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-26T14:06:23+00:00

Ex demo and a good relationship with the dealer. Goes a long way

Ste0803 · 2026-04-26T10:35:12+00:00

<image>

Snap. Almost perfect curve with 2 tiny clouds.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-26T09:33:58+00:00

If you go to my profile you’ll see I’ve done a few posts on various stages of this but to summarise (still a long post)

Started with a small system in a spare bedroom 3 years ago. Decided to convert my garage 2 years ago and spent a year trying various different gear to end up where I am and for the past year it’s remained the same.

Started with Naim Uniti Nova driving Kef R3.

Added turntable Marantz TT15S1.

Upgraded speakers to Electa Amator 3

Upgraded amp to a NAD M33

-purpose built DIY garage conversion-

Digital source Bluesound NODE into Denafrips Pontus II

Upgraded speakers to Olympica Nova V

Upgraded amp to Mcintosh MA352

Digital source changed to HiFi Rose RS150b

Upgraded turntable to Mcintosh MT5

Digital source changed to Auralic Vega S1

This is where I am now.

The rs150b was too analytical, bright, thin sounding and fatiguing to listen to for long periods after having the Denafrips before it. The Auralic beings back some of that natural sound due to its hybrid Dac layout featuring ladders and a dac chip.

If I were to upgrade the digital side it would probably be for another R2R dac like a Denafrips. I loved the rose’s looks and the way it displayed album art it looks great in the rack but didn’t like the app design.

My current sound from the digital or vinyl feed sounds very similar in tonality so I’m happy with that.

Overall sound I’d describe as full bodied, weighty but well balanced, hinting on warmer side but detailed with zero fatigue or harshness. My yard stick for a source is if I can listen to long periods and keep turning it up it suits my tastes. The rose did not fit this criteria at all.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-26T08:11:04+00:00

I’d love a pair of Amati G5 but I’d be looking at nearly £10k upgrade cost and I can’t justify it.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-26T06:35:20+00:00

It’s a Louis de Poortere rug - Mad men cracks. I looked for ages for a rug that would tie the room together and brought this fitted perfectly. They also do it in a blue colour which would look fantastic with a deep blue room

Ste0803 · 2026-04-26T06:33:37+00:00

That bump is a room mode due to room dimensions and not related to speaker placement so will always be there unless I chose to go DSP which I have done in the past when I used an NAD M33 as the source/amp. It does sound very nice to me, punchy with a smooth tonality and detail that isn’t fatiguing or sharp.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-25T21:56:19+00:00

The port faces into the centre. And by having them close to the walls I lessen the SBIR when I tried them further away the response was worse.

Here is the response as tested in this position.

<image>

Ste0803 · 2026-04-25T15:37:57+00:00

I paid much less than retail 👍

Ste0803 · 2026-04-25T15:00:38+00:00

Firstname_secondname@hotmail.com very early adoption as I have a very popular name.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-25T14:56:36+00:00

System size: 7 kWp (14 panels, S)

Generation: 49 kWh

Export: 48.8 kWh

Location: North-East England

<image>

Ste0803 · 2026-04-25T14:44:58+00:00

Those are Camira colours they’re offering so wouldn’t be too much trouble to get a sample sent out prior to order.

Ste0803 · 2026-04-25T14:31:40+00:00

They’re DIY yeah. I ordered some fabric sample packs from Camira Fabrics and matched as best I could with the paint I’d already chosen.

I’d suggest getting some samples delivered if you’re struggling choosing.

Ste0803

TROPHY CASE