What should be Cost Ratio (vis a vis each other) of Hifi Components

[admin_exported]

Hello Everyone,

I am wondering what should be the best way to spend one's money ration wise while building a hifi system?

To make things simple, if you have a budget of 1000, what would be the most optimum ratio to spend on each compnent to maximise the capability of your system for stereo use only? To keep things fair, I am considering only new components here.

Input from hifi editors if especially sought.

This would be a simple guide to spending on hifi.

Thanks

 

[margetti]

The general rule of thumb* is 40% on the source, and 30% each on the amp and speakers.

Don't forget to account for interconnects, speaker cables, rack, and speaker stands as well, which need to be factored into your total budget.

*Others may disagree...

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not going by a general rule, nor am I anything of an expert, but I reckon...

10% on cables/interconnects

35-40% on speakers (including stands if standmounts)

50-55% spent on a matching amp/CD player combo

That's based on what I would spend in various combinations different items if I was to spend £1000 on a new system with an average CD player-Amp-Speaker system. If your source is a turntable then it would require a little more spending. If you have two sources you need more on interconnects. If your source is your computer then I'd buy a DacMagic/Beresford, spend ~£100 on cables/interconnects and the remaining ~£650-700 in a 60-40 split favouring the speakers, or £500 on CD/Amp and £200 on speakers.

 

[Anonymous]

We have just recently had this discussion - see this thread.

On a CD-based system, I used to think source, but am leaning towards speaker more, so my ratio would be 35:30:45! What do you mean I can't have 110%!

Seriously, my current kit is 32:27:41 so I feel that's about right. But very subjective, as cost vs. quality is a moot point.