Why do folks spend more on electronics than on speakers?
Hello, just curious on this subject. I have seen threads where folks ask for advice on how to allocate their budget and this topic comes up. I also see systems posted on various forums where folks have $10K-$20K in gear driving $2K-$5K in speakers and wonder why. I have traditionally been a speakers first person as that is where I have noticed the greatest differences. For those that allocate more on gear vs speakers what are your reasons? No judgement, I am just interested in hearing another point of view.
Showing 6 responses by ghdprentice
After fifty years, in retrospect. One of my first and best sounding sets of speakers were Acoustat 2 + 2… loved them in the showroom. Brought them home… my system couldn’t even remotely power these things to sound good. So I brought home a 75 pound Yamaha behemoth amp… maxed the needles … could not power them. So I got rid of them and bought a brand new Threshold s500… took out a loan… $18,500 in today’s dollars. Then I couldn’t afford the speakers. After that, speakers first, then optimize the electronics to support them. For a decade or so my speakers were down to 18% the total value when I had ribbon speakers (including subwoofers). But overall it has hit at 30% and the most expensive piece. They set the capability… I can’t imagine having a bunch of electronics and swapping speakers to get the right sound. Besides the technology of the boxes changes much faster.. so a set of speakers tend to stay in my system longer.
I now have Sonus Faber Amati Traditional and can’t image upgrading for at least ten years. |
Thanks. I am a big fan of Audio Research and have owned various components over the last 40 years (you can see my current system under my UserID). The ARC75 is an incredible amp. I am thinking at this point being legendary. It is amazing what great electronics can do for a set of speakers. But, you must ask the question ocationally, “I wonder what my system would sound like if I upgraded my speakers?” … like to Focal Aria or Kanta.
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@audiotroy “speakers determine the overall level of what you can achieve”
Very well put. That is the right way to look at it. I wish I came up with it. |
@nyev “I am upgrading all of my system to an “end state”…”
Yes, I have done that three or four times now. 😊😊😊 |
OP, “$15K… 10 - 15% on speakers”. Unlikely a well optimized system… but possible. I think you have to start with a thought about what you want to spend… and then audition and make decisions that balance and optimize the sound. About thirty years ago I found some extremely good sounding speakers… Apogee Slant 8’s that cost around 10% the cost of my whole system. The ribbons were simply stunning, particularly for the money. I had them for 15 years. They were not perfect… but they sounded well beyond their cost.
I eventually got speaker that are at the 25% range ($32K). There is no comparison… these are not in the same class. But you build a system one piece at a time… sometimes the proportions get extreme.
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