Depends on what source you want. Assuming you are going with a cd only - spend no more than $500 there, between $1000 and $1500 on the amp (stay integrated) and between $2000 and $2500 on the speakers. Keep only enough left for speaker wire (#12 or #14, 2 conductor cable - copper - decent quality, i.e. Belden or any other major manufacturer) and decent connectors (i.e. banannas or spade connectors)- you should be able to keep this cost to much less than $100 assuming you don't have 100 feet between your amp and speakers. Do not waste $$ on expensive cable power cords or power conditioners (although a decent surge protector is not a bad idea). Pick your speakers first and get enough clean power to drive them. If you are happy without high volumes and deep low end you can do very well with your budget - particularly if you go with bookshelves. Audition your options and listen for more than a few minutes - if you can't hear the difference between two options without the salesman telling you the difference, then go with the lower cost and reapportion your budget as you go
How do you determine how much to spend on speakers
Hello all,
I am just starting out in this HI-FI stuff and have a pretty modest budget (prospectively about 5K) for all. Any suggestions as to how funds should be distributed. At this stage, I have no interest in any analog components. Most notably, whether or not it is favorable to splurge on speakers and settle for less expensive components and upgrade later, or set a target price range and stick to it.
Thanks
I am just starting out in this HI-FI stuff and have a pretty modest budget (prospectively about 5K) for all. Any suggestions as to how funds should be distributed. At this stage, I have no interest in any analog components. Most notably, whether or not it is favorable to splurge on speakers and settle for less expensive components and upgrade later, or set a target price range and stick to it.
Thanks