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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!

mattsca

Showing 2 responses by mglik

mglik
913 posts
 

Sorry, but this is kind of a dumb question.

There is no way to objectively and financially measure SQ.

While it is very true that a more expensive system is not necessarily better SQ than a less expensive one. A well thought out, professionally set up million dollar plus system sounds like a million bucks. To reach 90 or 95% of such a system for $150K is deluded and ignorant.

mglik
913 posts
 

My system is about $150K. For me, it is a destination system.

Even though I know that I could do much better.

And I am clear that I am not at 90 or 95% of “the absolute sound”.

If it could be quantified, maybe 50%.

But it is also clear that the law of diminishing returns applies.

Please also understand that ignorance does not imply intelligence.

Only lack of experience.

And delusion is an extremely common state of most audiophiles.

All I know is that my system is way good enough.

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