[martyo]

AMP:        35.5
PREAMP:   18
SOURCE:    6.5(This will change with a DAC)
SPEAKERS: 38.5(16 year old speakers)
CABLES:      1.5

[soundbitten1]

speakers - 54 %

amp - 13 %

preamp - 22 %

source - 8 %

cables - 3 %

[JLM]

The technology involved with digital sources is changing so fast that its not wise to "over invest" in it, but I do agree that the source is important.  Going separate transport/DAC helps keep the upgrade path more open.  Currently I'm slumming with just an Oppo 970, so my current percentage for source is only 3%.

I'm suprised, from all the discussions of expensive cable I read about around here, that the cable amount is so low.  And I'm encouraged to see how much is put into speakers and rooms.

Seems to me that some are more sensitive to different types of audio effects and distortions, which is reflected in how their audio budget is split up.

[04dgmsilv]

This is for my 2 channel system.

Based on Purchase Price ($5300):

Speakers - 38% (Used)
Source - 28% (Wholesale Price)
Amp - 14% (DIY)
Cables - 14% (Used/Sale)
Room Treatments - 6% (Full Price)

Based on List ($8000):

Speakers - 40%
Source - 25%
Amp - 15%
Cables - 16%
Room Treatments - 4%

[95bcwh]

speaker: 33.5%
amp: 27.4%
preamp: 28.0%
Source: 4.3%
cables: 3.8%
Room treatment : 3% (DIY and best bang for the buck!!)

[low.pfile]

Cost % for my simple $5000 2.1 system (part of a 5.1 system) - retail value

1.  Speakers & Stands  -------------- 48%

2.  Amp(s) ---------------------------- 40%

3   Preamp ---------------------------  0%

4   Music Sources --------------------- 7%
(only added storage cost, not the pre-owned PC)

5  Cords (PCs, ICs, SCs) ------------- 5%


Comments on thread:
I see BigFish (the OP) have a 2 channel system, most others did not state if their numbers are for 2 ch or multi channel, or audio or video. Also, though most may not want to admit but the total cost may be of interest, since there could be a different distribution of costs relative to different price points. ( eg $1-5k systems, $5-10k, $10-20k and over $20k)

[Bigfish]

Cost % for my simple $5000 2.1 system (part of a 5.1 system) - retail value

1.  Speakers & Stands  -------------- 48%

2.  Amp(s) ---------------------------- 40%

3   Preamp ---------------------------  0%

4   Music Sources --------------------- 7%
(only added storage cost, not the pre-owned PC)

5  Cords (PCs, ICs, SCs) ------------- 5%


Comments on thread:
I see BigFish (the OP) have a 2 channel system, most others did not state if their numbers are for 2 ch or multi channel, or audio or video. Also, though most may not want to admit but the total cost may be of interest, since there could be a different distribution of costs relative to different price points. ( eg $1-5k systems, $5-10k, $10-20k and over $20k)

I started this thread.  I did not think when I started the thread nor do I now think cost of the system is important.  My interest is in getting an indication of the relative values people place on the various, key components that make-up their systems.  Maybe no surprise, but the information seems to indicate the premieum values are placed on the speakers and on the source.

Ken

[Mag]

For the MC, HT enthusiasts.

Amps, AV receiver- 38%
Speakers- 33%
Source- 12%
Room treatment- 4%
Cables- 4%
HDTV- 7%
Equalizer, Power Conditioner- 2%

[JLM]

Ken,

You asked about audio systems which typically are 2-channel, but here's my low priority 5.1 HT system:

Speakers   77%   $1200   
Receiver    13%   $200
Source      10%   $150

total                  $1550

[DaveC113]

Roughly:

Speakers  / Active Sub    %49      Omega XRS / Adire 10" sub   
DAC / Jitter Reducer       %11      Used for ~%20 of retail
CDP / Burner                 %11      Old Yamaha Burner 
Amp                             %11     Trends + $50 for mods
Preamp                         %13     Used for ~%20 of retail
Cables                          %6       DIY


I'm very happy for the price! (about $1800) The Omega Hemptone / T-amp combo is an unbelievable value.

[SET Man]

Hey!

    Man! This thread required me to use math to convert $ of each component to %. I know, I know this should be easy for me because I'm Asian and I do wear glasses... but actually I'm suck at math 

    Anyway, let's see...

Amps                      =  31%

Pre                          =  18%

Speaker                  = 6%

Sources                  = 15% (9% Analog TT and 6% CDP/DAC)

AC Line Conditioner = 21%

Cables (PC/IC/SP)   = 6%

Mics (shelf and etc) = 3%

Room treatment      = 0%

---------------------------------

All in all total           = 100% of pure enjoyment of musics

        First as a DIYer it is hard to really summarized this. Since I built some of the stuff I have and tend to upgrade and mod the stuff I have. So, I added all the price of the mods or upgrades I did to my stock components over the years in to it. Also, all cables and shelf are home made.

       OK, this probably look a bit strange to most people with the percentage of my speaker. Yes, it is true that my speaker is probably the cheapest component in my system. Well, that is because I built them. True that they are kind of ugly duckling but I love them! They will cost more if I have a carpenter to make me cabs with nice wood veneer finish. But for now I'm very happy with what I would call natural plywood finish

       As for the room treatment. I do have some acoustic foams on the side wall of which I got them for free and there are shelf and etc in my small room of which already made my room well damped.

Take care,
Buddy

[JLM]

Buddy,

You should give yourself more credit (dollar wise for the purpose of this excerise) for your speaker cabinetry.   

Not hard to imagine that half your system budget goes to pre/power amps (by looking at your name).     SET lovers seem to either spend way more on speakers than electronics (to get high efficiency to compensate for low power output) or way less (because the SET is their thing).

Your system points to another possible budget skew, power conditioning.  I've never felt the need, but I live in rural America (currently in a new house with our own transformer, all new appliances, all 12 gauge wiring, and dedicated circuits for the audio stuff).  The wiring didn't cost extra, but I did factor in some for cryo'd wall receptacles and double studded walls.

[SET Man]

Buddy,

You should give yourself more credit (dollar wise for the purpose of this excerise) for your speaker cabinetry.   

Not hard to imagine that half your system budget goes to pre/power amps (by looking at your name).     SET lovers seem to either spend way more on speakers than electronics (to get high efficiency to compensate for low power output) or way less (because the SET is their thing).

Your system points to another possible budget skew, power conditioning.  I've never felt the need, but I live in rural America (currently in a new house with our own transformer, all new appliances, all 12 gauge wiring, and dedicated circuits for the audio stuff).  The wiring didn't cost extra, but I did factor in some for cryo'd wall receptacles and double studded walls.

Hey!

     Yup, my list seems strange compared to other.

      I could have spend more money on the cabinetry for my speaker. But they sound good. So, why bother spend more. I guess I'm kindna use to how their look now.

     Oh! Right! The power condition stuff. Yes, I have admit that I also spend a lot of money there compared to other part of my system. I was looking for a good AC conditioner and base on it design this thing make a lot of sense to me. So, I bought it with 30 days money return.... well its still in my system   I have to tell you that I won't run my system without the PS Audio P600 now

     Consider yourself lucky that you have your own transformer for your house. Over here in NYC not only the air is more polluted but the AC line also too.

     Anyway, I have to say that I'm very happy with my system now. Yes, it ain't perfect but those imperfections doesn't bother me much... I could live with that   I will still look for way to improve it but this will minor things now a days

Take care,
Buddy

[low.pfile]

I started this thread.  I did not think when I started the thread nor do I now think cost of the system is important.  My interest is in getting an indication of the relative values people place on the various, key components that make-up their systems.  Maybe no surprise, but the information seems to indicate the premieum values are placed on the speakers and on the source.

Ken

Sure, I got your intent Ken. Agreed that the cost factor can be ignored. Though I just thought there might be some difference in the relative values for different priced systems. And my percentages have already changed a bit by adding a DAC!

SEt man...... cool set up!