2. misc-audio
  3. 193099-199203

What does 90% of the Absolute Best Sound Cost?

Like many things, I have come to believe that the cost of incremental improvements in audio come at exponentially increasing costs - e.g., big improvement from $5K to $10K, less so from $10 to $15K, etc. All of us have our limits regarding what we can/will spend to achieve our best possible/practical audio experience. So, a couple of questions that I am sure are at least somewhat subjective.

A. What does it cost, in terms of components, interconnects, and direct furnishings (e.g., racks, isolation pads, surface room treatments, etc.) to achieve 90% of the absolute best sound possible?

B. What % does $50,000 get you?

FWIW, my setup is at about $21,000 actual cost ($32,000 original retail) and I am really happy with it right now. All of my incremental spend for the next couple of years is going to be working the room itself. Looking forward to your perspectives!

128x128mattsca

Showing 1 response by gs5556

gs5556
1,240 posts
 

Problem with price comparisons is not every dollar goes to sound quality. For starters, you have to adjust for dealer and distributor markup. Then add the large overhead and marketing costs for large companies. Fancy milled cases also add a premium as do fancy flight cases and white gloves. And I suspect a markup is intentionally added for audiophiles (and reviewers) to take the product seriously.

On the other side of the coin there are products that are designed well and have low prices due to direct sales and efficient manufacturing. Take the Schiit Yddgrasil DAC. For $2,500 not only would you get "90%" of the best of digital playback but you will be hard pressed to find any DAC that surpasses it. It is a superbly engineered product with no dealer/distributor markup, no large overhead or marketing costs, and no fancy casework. All it lacks for audiophiles to take it seriously is the Audiophile Markup.

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