hifi cost formula

[tatentoby]

If you were buying your first system, or perhaps a second set-up, does anyone use a formula for breaking down the total investment into smaller budget limits for each section. To make it a little easier, I'm talking about a 2 channel, audio only system; amps, speakers, source and cabling. Perhaps 25% for each, or maybe less for one of the choices. Thanks

[Gary Cook]

I've always allocated around 50% of the budget on speakers as they have the single most influence on the sound quality.

Cheers
Gary

[harri009]

No formula but suggestions. I would buy the cheapest cables you can get that have decent connections (non audiophile). Then spend most of your money on the speakers and an integrated amp powerful enough to handle the speakers you chose. As for the source I would say streaming is convenient and can sound great, CD player is nice to have and can sound better than streaming pending the equipment. A cheap analog rig in my experience doesn't sound as good as a cheap digital one so for the buck I would suggest the digital source but vinyl is a lot of fun. So in summery, speakers first cables last and everything else in between.

[Boomzilla]

Both harri009 and Gary Cook give good advice, IMHO. Computer audio streaming through a $149 Audioquest Dragonfly DAC is a VERY good sound for money, assuming you already have the computer & good quality (not low-res MP3) audio sources.

I might also suggest frequenting yard sales & thrift stores if such are available in your area. Often, AMAZING deals can be had there if you're persistent and have the cash on hand. In fact, I'd generally say that used is a far better value than new on most all audio purchases.

Happy shopping!

[DYohn]

Go shopping for speakers. Spend as much as you can on them to get the ones you really like. Then decide on everything else.

[GreenKiwi]

I'm with DYohn. Spend as much as you can on speakers and the make due with the rest, and upgrade each component as you get an opportunity.

If I were doing this on a budget, I'd get an inexpensive Dac and a used amp and a streaming device. Appletv/airport express/MyRocki/etc. and put everything else into speakers.

[RightinLA]

In addition to the above recommendations, before you do anything, you need to determine your budget for your system. Then research the available products within your budget. Prepare a spreadsheet with your various alternatives. Look out for sales is a must to optimize your expenditures. Google is your friend for net deals.

[Shaker]

Agree with those who make the speakers the priority. Not only do they have the most influence on SQ, but a solid investment will last you years and if you look to upgrade, quality speakers will hold resale value better. As far as where to look, yes yard/tag sales, and estate sales especially -- sometimes high end equipment can be found for cheap. Look at high end stores on line that may have used, floor models, etc. Craigslist and AudioGon, as well as AV enthusiast sites. Have fun and good luck.

[lionear]

I don't think there's a formula.

An Audioquest Dragonfly and XPA-200 should come to about $620. (I don't have any of these items but I have the XPA-100 and that's an outstanding amp.)

Someone on this site is selling a Nordost bi-wire cable for $200. This is a really outstanding deal. And then budget about $50 for interconnect between the Dragonfly and the amp. I wouldn't worry about what interconnect - it's something you can investigate over time.

It's true that the biggest determinant of the overall sound of your system will be the speakers. You didn't indicate whether you liked electrostatic speakers (like Martin Logan), planar speakers (like Magnepan), dynamic speakers with conventional tweeters, conventional speakers with horn tweeters (which I wouldn't recommend because they can't do soundstage) or dynamic speakers with special tweeters (like Gallo). There's also no info about the size of your room. So there might need to be quite a bit of experimentation to see what suits your taste in music and what works for you in your room.

I agree with all the advice about checking for demo gear and pre-owned gear. I've seen Magnepan SMG speakers listed for $300 and Martin Logan CLS speakers for $700 on craigslist.  These aren't going to play sustained low frequency organ notes, or recreate the SPL of a rock concert.  But they're really good speakers.

(I'd check with the manufacturer about whether specific models can still be repaired.)

[thevinoman]

Especially if you are going 2 channel, absolutely agree with focusing your initial budget on great speakers. Only you can decide on what sounds good to you within your budget and within the constraints of your listening environment.