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 rbstehno

rbstehno
1,495 posts
 

I got more in cables and sound treatments than $10k. I built a dedicated room within a room to get the correct ratio/dimensions and just this cost way north of $10k. Then you have to buy the appropriate equipment to fill the room. A 5 watt set amp with a pair of $5k speakers will not fill a large room at higher levels. I was using 350 watt or bigger monoblocks with larger speakers to fill the room.

if you think you can get 90% of the best of the best, get yourself to some audio shows or to the better audio dealers that have dedicated rooms to see what’s available.

 

More to discover