??? How Much Would You Spend ???

There doesn't have to be a specific price tag for a given pair of speakers. You could spend 10K on an amp for those speakers and a 5K amp might outperform it. There are too many variables to give a cookie cutter answer to this one.

I would buy used and spend 2 to 4k.  

My rule of thumb is 30% speakers, 15% preamp, 15% amp, 15% DAC and 15% streamer. Just a generality. If I was doing it I would be getting $10K components. This level gets you very top notch components that will sound great and last for decades. I just helped a friend do exactly what you are talking about. Using an Audio Research LS28 prevamp, a VT 80SE Amp. I would recommend an Audio Research DAC 9, and Aurrender N200 or better yet N20. Room treatments after setup. I could live with this system the rest of my life. Musical, natural, powerful, and detailed.

This assumes you want an all around musical system. If you want a “rock system” then Mac and B&W speakers, highly detailed and shiny Luxman and DynAudio. lots of “kinds” of sound.

I would spend around what I have in my bank account. Not more.

How big is the room?  Is it your primary system or a secondary system?

Amp, around 5K plus another 5K for a preamp. Already have the speakers and amps in my mind.

I feel the front end is as important as the Loudspeakers if not more

for if you don’t get all your information right from the start you cannot 

make it up downstream . Speakers by nature are normally more expensive 

30% for speakers  25% front end , getting the most for your money even slightly used .cables some are insanely priced but if you can afford them go for it 

20% for cables is reasonable. Plenty of good products out there.buy in the summer also good advise ,having owned a Audio store when it’s slowest ,or an item has been on line for some time get your best deals.

You know what they say:  "garbage in--garbage out."

The rule of thumb I have most often seen is 30% on speakers, 30% on amplification (integrated or separate pre and power amps), 30% on the front end (streamer/DAC or TT/TM/Cartridge) and 10% on cables.  I am an old audiophile and remember articles from Linn weighting the spend to the front end and reducing the spend for the speakers and amplification.  Years ago when the performance of digital equipment and lower cost analogue was not as good as today there was merit to that philosophy.  I did follow that philosophy with my first digital front end (Sonic Frontiers Processor 3/Iris Player). But digital front end equipment and lower cost analogue has improved so I would follow the 30/30/30/10 rules.  Of course this is all generalization and your decision should not be based on a ratio but on system synergy and your own preferences in sound quality.  

@immatthewj +1 ( emphasis added);

Two factors present themselves IMO in this thread where arbitrary and highly variable amp budgets are relegated to a distinct secondary notion.

(1) To push that it’s some kind of a 100-year old accepted rule to choose your expensive speakers in isolation always first; and then build around them where the electronics are relegated to a secondary highly variable afterthought or budget sensitive consequence:

(a) that notion is hyperbole at best, and,

(b) it is no assurance of a pathway to the Yellow Brick Road to Audio Oz, But a full system budget already planned upfront is.

”Price is what you pay. Value is what you get” - Warren Buffett

(2) Rather, a full high-end system components budget allocation philosophy is clear. And that also includes where affordable speakers with good amplification (and source) make more sense than an expensive speaker with a comparatively cheap amp and source.

A class d Hypex Ncore or Purifi stereo amp delivers top notch performance and can be had for under 2K. They will drive most any speakers to their max. So thats probably about it. Compact design for a small room is the icing on the cake.

The speaker choice is critical to the balance of the expenditures.  I am a Maggie guy and they require much from their amps.  I have 750 wpc bench tested and those are not inexpensive.  On the other hand, if you prefer highly efficient speakers you can use SET amps and anything stronger, giving you a bit more flexibility in your amp budget.

Only when you look at the entire picture of your system can you allocate your budget properly.  Sources also are key as the expense of quality vinyl is different from streaming, CD or even R2R.

It os a complex algorithm and certainly not a one size fits all IMHO

So the last 5 years I have had a Raven Audio Osprey Tube Amp with their Corvus Speakers and I have been really thrilled with what I hear out of this beautiful amp...At 73 yrs old and having tinnitus pretty bad I have wondered if I really could hear much more than I do with this unit..I talked to Raven and they told me they would give me a trade in on 5 yr old Osprey for the Reflection they make..I would be another 14k to get this unit and believe me I had  to really talk myself in..But I finally did and I am so happy I did for the music and detail I hear coming out of songs that I never knew existed all these years even from Oldies songs I am blown away..But it is what you are willing to spend for best quality sound you desire to hear...And those 5 years with Osprey I thought was my best and I have a whole new sound that will last me for years of enjoyment...  

in your scenario you have established the price of the speakers. My personal preference would then be to spend roughly 7-10 thousand on the amp, dac and preamp and I would prioritize the preamp if I had to make choices
 

I would also allocate some of your budget for at least modest room treatments. But that’s just me, and I think the best advice anyone can give you is to listen to the components that are under consideration. we can all recommend that you buy what we have, and that may not at all be the sound that will be most pleasing to you. The way we hear is very subjective. Some people like a warmer more musical sound, but there are others who don’t care for that at all. You may listen to a component that you think is exactly what you want for far less money, or perhaps far more, than some arbitrary figure. It’s about getting the best value for the money you have to spend in terms of the sound that’s most pleasing to you and I don’t think you can really know the best way to allocate your budget until you start putting components together and hearing them for yourself. 

Speaker Selected First = Make a provision for the Signal received to be turned into an end sound that is the best.

Thereare dependencies on all that is upstream and the ambient of the environment to Control this method. 

Source Selected First = Signal produced and sent is the best one can have created for their budget.

This is my choice for a Audio System, 

Only thing I have learned in 50 years is never spend more than 75% of the current speaker price on any single component ahead of them. The one exception would be for vinyl-based systems where the whole phono chain is considered a single component. So considered, you might pay more for the phono chain than the current MRSP of your speakers.

Tough to find a consensus because we have different budgets and spending priorities - those with larger budgets would usually spend more than those on a more restricted budgets. Rough guess those on a tight budget 3-7k for electronics (pre+amp) and those with loose wallets 10-15k+. Above this amount speaker upgrade becomes an attractive budget alternative.

Amplifier is the most important component after the speakers. At least 50% of the cost of the speakers should be invested in an amplifier and you have to not only look at cost - matching amp to speakers is critical. Rarely any other component will make as much difference as a carefully matched high quality amp.

Systems are called systems for a reason so they should be built holistically - a chain is only as good as it’s weakest link etc.

Or you could go for a pair of Dutch & Dutch 8c and call it done.

@freediver "smallish room" (whatever the hell that means), "no eye towards any future upgrade", etc., my recommendation would be to start with matching the power source and speakers.  You'll have to juggle the ratio on that one.  However, that being said, I'm fairly certain you'll end up spending more on speakers, any way you cut this cookie!  Speakers, after all, are the business end of any sound system.  As to how much to spend, and what the ratio will be between power source and speakers?  Well, that is a decision only you can make.  What to buy?  Again, only our ears can tell you that.  Let your own two ears and your wallet guide you.

'smallish' room, what I would do

1. liberate myself from the spell in question

2. buy some pair of active speakers including stands (e.g. Edifier, Klipsch, Argon)

3. place them correctly

4. if necessary (and if even possible in a small room), think about room treatment

5. enjoying the music

4. be happy saving big money which I can use for my 'real' listening room' or just buying some really nice cases of Shiraz

Headphone rig. 

It's really hard to answer this question without knowing what level of performance you are after and what your budget is.  I def agree that speakers are the most important item in shaping your sound so invest there.  Next comes source, then pre and finally amp in my experience.

If budget is tight, look at a good used integrated, Gryphon Diablo comes to mind but may be too much.  Pass, Ayre, and many others make excellent options.

There are also many very nice DAC's that have good integrated volume controls and streaming capabilities.

My reply probably didn't help much but there are lots of paths to consider depending on what you're after.

Good luck!

Advice is only possible, if you reveal what speakers have spell bound you.

The most I will spend is 10k.

The biggest mistake most people make is under investing in the preamp.  Weather it be a standalone or an integrated.  Don't be that guy!  Good luck with your new system.  

Despite what the prevailing opinion says, prices for one item don't have to be similar with other ones AND price doesn't always indicate quality. There's something that happens with way too many people that they can't figure that out, but that's what happens. 

Totally agree with @rick_n !  Preamps are crucial in my experience.

The little fosi audio mono is about 300 watts with great reviews parts express has a sale on them now they are great for small rooms you could get a chit tube preamp it sounds great.i have high end michi krell mcintosh bryston pass parasound cary and others.these little fosi mono amps are a bargain.mcintosh marantz denon audio research and other major brands have gone class d as well.enjoy the hunt and music

The bottom line is that what you can afford will determine how much detail,headroom and depth of music you ears will hear...      

And you can listen to any sound system at a Retailers but until you get it into your sound room of playing you really will not know  how it sounds with your room acoustics...

I ask my wife every time I make a change do you hear this or that and has No Clue what it is I listen for or hear...

I know this last purchase of the Reflection is at the Peak of what I I will ever hear from my system ...No Regrets and have to wait for wife to go out so I can enjoy my music..LOL

If I won the powerball I would buy those million dollar speakers.still trying to win until then I luv what I have.enjoy the music

I don't think a cost percentage is the best way to approach building a system.  As others have said above, you do need to match the amp to the speakers, so it may be more or less than 50% of their cost, especially if you buy used.  My amps' new value was twice that of the speakers, but they are still in use after over 30 years, and they came with a lifetime warranty.  If you don't want to upgrade in the future, you'd want to spend extra to get durable equipment.  I don't know if there are any amp manufacturers now that offer a lifetime warranty.

I do agree with those who prioritize a good preamp.  I bought a top-of-the-line Classé Audio DR-7 in the late '80s and have never regretted it.  Aside from its sound quality and durability (still works great), it has great features like a knob for reverse stereo/left channel/right channel/mono.  Having such useful features (at least useful for me) as well as top-quality sound really adds to the enjoyment and maintenance of the system.  On a newer preamp, a remote volume control would be a great thing to have.

Here's a problem I don't think has been touched upon...

Common guidance is to buy speakers first, then amp / preamp, etc. 

But - when you picked out your speakers... what amp was driving them? How big was the listening room? Was the setup and room in any way comparable to the space you will be using in your home..?

Don't mean to muddy the waters or be purposely obtuse. Just saying that there really shouldn't be any 'hard and fast rules' when choosing your gear. Even how much to spend, by % per item or total budget.

I guess my advice (for what it's worth) after having owned various combinations of somewhat decent gear for the past dozen years or so is this:

 - Choose what appeals to you most. And base that appeal on a combination of your senses. Find a 'happy medium' where the gear appeals to your ears (sound quality), your eyes (looks impressive / appealing to your taste), your touch (functions the way you want it to, and has the functions that you are looking for) and also appeals to your wallet (doesn't diminish your happiness  / satisfaction factor because you spent more than your own common sense dictates).

I think too many people chase 1 or 2 of the parameters above - especially the sound and spend ones - in a misguided effort to either impress others or convince themselves that they have "the best". I think that it bears repeating that, other than other 'audiophiles'... the "impression factor" hits a ceiling with the average person. They are going to think a $1K system 'sounds great'  - and they are going to think a $20K system 'sounds great, too'... besides, chasing allocades is a terrible reason to be in this gig, anyway.

Myself, I am partial to 'vintage' gear (60s - 70s) and my common sense looks for gear that needs a little work but has great potential. My 'pride in ownership' (if you want to use that term) comes from telling those impressed with my system how little money - and how much of my own restoration labor, etc. - I put into my system. I know it's still bragging - but at least it's not a simple 'look how much $$$ I have, and have spent on this setup..."

Anyway, maybe I should answer (at least partially) the OPs question after this longwinded rant...

In my experience, speakers make the absolute biggest difference in how your system will ultimately sound. And, to that end. I found the best sound (to my ears) by trying to place the largest displacement speakers that would reasonably fit in the space allotted (without looking cartoonishly huge and out of place). A bit challenging in smaller rooms, but IMO worth the effort in the long run.

I will spend all your money if you let me. 

the real question is: how long will it be before you want to upgrade 

In my experience, speakers make the absolute biggest difference in how your system will ultimately sound

I guess it depends. I tried a few integrated amps in the last few months with 2 sets of speakers. They sounded profoundly different. I practically could not tell in a blind test which speakers were on, although I thought I could recognize them from a mile. (Other than volume, there is a 5db sensitivity difference)

But in general I agree, to find the speakers that sound the best to your ear is where to start. 

Questions like this are about synergy not dollars which is why they are impossible to answer without knowing specific brands. So what are these speakers?

More money doesn't mean better. Go get a Buckeye Purifi and you're set for life. Nothing will sound better. 

The Pre Pre Amp or Pre Amp functions typically as the first stage of adding gain to a Signal produced by the Source. 

The Pre Amp can make a very well produced Signal a less attractive Signal to Send on, the end sound can be perceived as not too attractive. The Pre Amp can also maintain the qualities of the Source Signal and produce and end sound that has an attraction.

What matters is how the Signal is sent on through the downstream devices.

@yoyoyaya stated "  Systems are called systems for a reason so they should be built holistically - a chain is only as good as it’s weakest link etc. "

This in my view is very correct .

In multiple cases the weakest Link is the Room selected for the Speakers to be set up in. As working with the Room to improve the interface/coupling is not carried out or other influences are a factor in the methods that can be used not being adopted.

A System is sending a Signal that has the capabilities to be very attractive as an end sound. The loss of this comes from where the conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy. Has a sound produced that is not managed within the Room it is produced in a way that controls the produced energy. The produced energy moves through the Space meeting structures and creates an energy that is not a sound that is for the betterment of the listening experience.

Set Up in the incorrect environment, there is not any Speaker that is able to offer a true account of its capabilities. In a good outcome, ( I don't think there is a perfet outcome. That belongs back at the R&D Test Chamber for the Speaker) certain traits of the Speakers attraction may manifest.

For certain Speakers the cost associated and the performance attained through not optimising the Space for energy being released to Produce Sound with the outcome being a non-optimal Room Interface. Will in multiple cases, be a situation where sound being listened to is the least of the benefits of making the purchase.  The aesthetic/eye candy impact of the Speaker is seemingly the most realized benefit to be had from the Speaker Purchase.  

If I didn't already have extra components, and I was starting from scratch?

I would look HEAVILY at the Dutch & Dutch 8C speaker system. They are an all in one solution with streamer, DAC, room correction DSP, amplifiers, all built into the speakers.....just add ethernet, AES/EBU, or analog XLR and you are done.

I've heard them 3 times at shows, and each time have been more than impressed. $15,000 new, or $10,500ish if you can find them used

I’m sorry but it’s not a question of minimum amount. It’s about the bang for your buck that you get from carefully shopping for second hand or floor models. 

I bought a house for 1.2 million.  What should be the cost of the car in the driveway?

If I had the money I would buy it....but I dont. 

@audiodwebe I assume it is your third house. I think the proper car choice would be a Tesla. It must be a modest house for that price, so used Tesla 3

I would never choose speakers first, but electronics. No question that speakers are more colored than amps, but speaker colorations are consonant with the fabric of the music, whereas electronics have electronic sounding colorations. Much easier, for me to find a good speaker that works in my room than to find a good amp, YMMV.

Guess I haven't been around for a hundred years, but I have been around here for 25, LOL.

There are too many variables for there to be any reliable ratio of how much to spend on any component based on the price of another.  Points of diminishing returns will vary for each type of component so If you're spending 3k on a system you might spend $200 on a dac and $200 on an amp because the difference between speakers that cost 1k and 2.5k is huge and the difference between <1k amps and dacs is small.  On the other hand if you're spending 50k maybe you spend 25k on speakers, 15k on an amp, and 10k on a front end because more expensive speakers tend to need a lot of power and quality power is expensive.  You want a front end that looks nice and will last 30 years.  

The ratio at given price points may be somewhat correct at a particular point in time but it could change radically.  Low cost, perfect amplification might be a solved problem or may be soon.  What if class D measures perfect and then some company goes and buys the most expensive amp and makes a cheap amp that adds the perfect distortion so that nobody can discern it from the most expensive one?  

What if you like high sensitivity speakers so you hardly need any power?  That messes up any formula that would apply to low sensitivity ones.  Maybe you prefer vinyl, that would wreak havoc on any formula meant for digital.  What if you listen to string quartets vs. hard rock.  Totally different priorities.  This is a situation where there are too many variables for it to ever some down to a simple formula or price.  That's why it's a hobby.  It's also about people watching because a big part of the population can't handle the ambiguity and engage in all sorts of amusing behavior to ease that pain.

Are the speakers, box, ribbon, horn, or electrostatic? And the sensitivity?
 

The amp must be able to drive the speakers, so that would be a significant consideration. I'd go with an Aesthetix Mimas (around 9k), as it has tubes in the preamp and solid state as an amp, and it doubles into 4 ohms, so that's 180 watts into 8, 360 into 4. I might opt for something (an amp) that was 6k, but my experience is that everything needs to be equally good. Whatever is the weak link in your system will prevent the other components from showing them at their best.