I found that I keep speakers longer than anything else. So I would invest in a pair of speaker you really like even if you can't afford the level of electronics and cabling to support. Buy the best used electronics you can with the remaining cash. You will most likely begin upgrading as your learn about your speakers and room. For me, cables are the last thing to really spend on. Don't get me wrong cables can move your sound in a lot of directions but you can buy pretty good cables also on the used market until you really know what you are looking for. Resale is potential is probably more important than specific items at your budget while you figure out what you really want.
Cost break down of hifi system
Hello, just curious on what you guys recommend for the cost breakdown of a hifi system ? I have heard a lot about 15%-20% for cables and roughly 30% on speakers. Right now I am in the middle of building my new system. I currently have pass labs xp-12 demo model and an x250.8 NIB from Reno Hifi. I got a hell of a deal at $13500 for both. I also got a very light demo pair of Dynaudio contour 60i for 25% off. Based off what I have given, could you guys give me a breakdown on what I should spend on source and cables ? I was leaning at the Cardas cyngus cables. For dacs I was looking at the all in one lumin t3 or an aurender n200 with the chord qutest dac. I am also debating which audioquest niagra to get, the 1200 or 3000 ? Seems the me the 1200 does everything. I’m open to suggestions so please tell me if I am off track. I wanna get it right the first time.