I try to maximize my listening experience without spending the farm on components. catch the cost versus sound quality curve at the apex right before it goes exponential in cost
I typically buy used, I only upgrade when it's a real significant improvement and always strive for musicality and could care less about audio bragging rights
I know an audiophile who scrapped a $40,000 system, the more he tweaked the more uncomfortable he became with the sound
his advice to me "if you are happy with your current sound, hold right there and enjoy it"
that said - price per component limits new (used)
preamp 5000 (4000)
amp 5000 (3500)
cd 3000 (1500)
dac 3500 (1500)
speakers 5000 (3500)
speaker cable 1400 (800)
interconnect 900 (500)
I've actually came in well below that amount with excellent results
I typically buy used, I only upgrade when it's a real significant improvement and always strive for musicality and could care less about audio bragging rights
I know an audiophile who scrapped a $40,000 system, the more he tweaked the more uncomfortable he became with the sound
his advice to me "if you are happy with your current sound, hold right there and enjoy it"
that said - price per component limits new (used)
preamp 5000 (4000)
amp 5000 (3500)
cd 3000 (1500)
dac 3500 (1500)
speakers 5000 (3500)
speaker cable 1400 (800)
interconnect 900 (500)
I've actually came in well below that amount with excellent results