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How much does power amplifier really matter comparing to other hi-fi components?

What is the best ratio (out of a total of 100%) in terms of money to put in a high-end hi-fi set containing:
1. CD player/DAC, 2. Pre-amp, 3. Power-amp, 4. speakers.
(25% will be assigned to each if the 4 parts are equal).
Can we take this as a reference to distribute the budget when buying power-amp?

Looking forward to learning experiences and technical information from audiophiles including hi-fi dealers.
cclee2022

Showing 2 responses by millercarbon

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Just to be sure, I asked around. Blackhawk said it is the most important, Moab said it is, F1 of course, Sovereign, Koetsu, right on down the line. Can you believe, every single component insists it is the most important! "Listen," I said, "you can't all be most important!" OH YES WE CAN they shouted back.  

I'd believe them if I were you. The Blackhawk in particular was getting pretty heated over it, and the power cords, one went Nova the other went freaking Supernova. I am not kidding.   
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
25% each is about right. Except you left out wire. Your 25% amp budget is for preamp and amp. I'd go integrated if I were you. Your 25% wire budget has to cover all power cords, interconnects, and speaker cables. Unless you want a really good system and then it should be 20% each, and you add 20% for vibration control and room treatment. Now you're talking!

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