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!
Ah, great responses. I wish I could "like" and "laugh" at them. Yep, this is a very subjective topic and, of course, the listening room - size, dimensions, build - is a major factor. And I have to acknowledge that the listening experience goes beyond the bare acoustics. I like how my equipment looks and feels. I like nice furniture and lighting. And a bar cart with a few choice adult beverages doesn't hurt. |
@avanti1960 my room is roughly 15x24 with a ceiling not quite 7 feet. One back corner is clipped from the rectangle and I have four 3" square posts to deal with. So, while I have some significant challenges working the room, I am dealing with a nearfield listening environment - love seat ~2/3 back, speakers ~2.5 feet from front and side walls in a pretty good equilateral triangle to the sweet spot. Rack is centered but set back - I like looking at my gear: Dual CS 529 I know I can upgrade my power conditioner. But other than that, I am working on the room. |
@mglik let me fix your comment for you: I am having a hard time understanding how one can quantify sound quality and scale it against expense. If anything, it seems a very individual thing. Moreover, I disagree that cost to quality is an exponential relationship. But to each his own. Now, if that doesn't make sense to you, perhaps you should repeat kindergarten. Kind regards- The dumb, deluded ignorant OP |
