Price Ratio for Speakers, Cables and Electronics

MKZ
MKZ Posts: 1,068
edited September 2008 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
What ratio would you spend for cables, speakers and some electronics. Let says $500 speakers, $750 cables, $1000 electronics? Please break it down for cables like speaker cable, IC, PC, etc..
I think I am wrong spending more on cables than speaker value and somebody correct me.
Post edited by MKZ on
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,781
    edited September 2008
    50% speakers, 48% electronics, 2% cables.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited September 2008
    Personally, I think you can get all the cable you need for $185 a set (IC's), and probably far less than that. Speaker cable maybe $300. Opinion's will vary wildly on this.

    I would NEVER spend more on cables than speakers--that just doesn't make any sense. Speakers (again, IMO) should be the majority of your budget--nothing changes your sound more.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited September 2008
    I agree with all who say spend the lion's share on speakers; almost ALWAYS the weakest link in a system.
    TNRabbit
    NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
    Sunfire TG-IV
    Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
    Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
    Carver AL-III Speakers
    Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited September 2008
    45% speakers
    45% electronics (source, pre, amp)
    10% cables.
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited September 2008
    My ratios are:

    Electronics: 65%
    Speakers: 33%
    Wires: 2%
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • polktiger
    polktiger Posts: 556
    edited September 2008
    search function might help here as someone within the past year started a thread on this exact topic that basically turned into a poll of users and their allocations.
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited September 2008
    I don't know that i've done this right, probably not as i'm not completely happy with it, but who is?

    33% speakers
    54% electronics
    13% cables

    But then again, i don't exactly have a great setup. (2channel)


    My HT setup looks more like everyone elses percentages.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • MKZ
    MKZ Posts: 1,068
    edited September 2008
    polktiger wrote: »
    search function might help here as someone within the past year started a thread on this exact topic that basically turned into a poll of users and their allocations.

    I know. That was started by Michael and have no idea how to search back. I have changed my system since then and now I'm crazy on cables and thinking to get new speakers and cables so.

    Thank you everybody. Helpful as always.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited September 2008
    WilliamM2 wrote: »
    50% speakers, 48% electronics, 2% cables.

    The "1" key broken sweet William?
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2008
    There shouldn't be any set ratio, it's all about synergy.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,781
    edited September 2008
    ben62670 wrote: »
    The "1" key broken sweet William?

    How about you just answer his question, and quit attacking posters who have a different opinion than your own.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited September 2008
    WilliamM2 wrote: »
    How about you just answer his question, and quit attacking posters who have a different opinion than your own.

    You know that cartoon with the coyote, and the sheep dog? Well I would like to think of us in that respect. At the end of the day I would like to say goodnight Sam;)
    Ben

    BTW you called Face an ****:rolleyes: I am sure I am in that category.
    Goodnight Sam:)
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,781
    edited September 2008
    You just can't stop, can you? Go have another drink...
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited September 2008
    WilliamM2 wrote: »
    You just can't stop, can you? Go have another drink...

    Bill I really don't have a problem with you. I think it is kinda funny you can tell people what they can hear though.
    Thanks
    Ben
    Edit
    I do believe that people can hear things differently than others. Like myself I don't get into photography like others.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited September 2008
    knowledge and reason change like the season
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited September 2008
    $3,000 on speakers
    Roughly $7,500 on electronics.
    Maybe $1,500 in cables.

    Hmmmm I may be a little off-balance? Or could I be planning a major speaker upgrade in the future?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2008
    ben62670 wrote: »
    BTW you called Face an ****:rolleyes:
    That's fine, it's better than being tone deaf.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited September 2008
    My source: $1600 (CDP/DAC)
    Passive linestage: $1000
    Amp: $985
    Speakers: $1325/pr
    Cables: $625 (2 sets of IC's, dig coax, speaker cable)
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2008
    Main rig:

    60% Electronics
    15% Cables
    25% Speakers

    I know my speaker percentage is low, but I'm mostly happy with what I have now. Once I find something that "floors" me, I'll start saving.

    I'd really like to check out EP CS2's, but it would kill me to have to change everything around.

    SDA Rig:
    75% Electronics
    20% Cables
    5% Speaker(great deal)

    Bedroom Rig:
    60% Electronics
    10% Cables
    30% Speakers(another great deal)
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • xandra
    xandra Posts: 291
    edited September 2008
    I really Don't think there's a way to come up with an Electronics percentage as this will vary enourmously depending on: How many devices you connect, and How large a TV you have.

    But If I were to start over again: Here' s my order of where money's best spent.

    1. Speakers: these'll stick around a long time, you'll never be happy till you have good ones. If need be: buy excellent fronts & maybe center (you can get away with cheaper surrounds even if they're not voice matched, you can upgrade at a later point if desired.) But don't skimp on the Fronts.

    2. Next - a good receiver and/or seperates (preAmp/Amp etc) package. putting money into seperate amp is better long term value - but I still feel your pre or Reciever is pretty damned important as the brains of your system, plenty of of inputs/ouputs, and up to date features will keep it around longer.

    3. Get at least one good player (CD, DVD, or TV) depending on your personal needs. So that you can enjoy above.

    Lastly... AFTER you've got used to your system. You can upgrade cables to most important devices & speakers. (ex: good speaker cables to fronts, if you're an SACD fan good ic's for multichannel). If you're lucky... you'll fall in love Again.
    LR Setup:
    Polk RTi10's, RTi6's, CSiA6 (5 ch setup)
    Onkyo 705 & Denon 3808ci Receiver, Onk 875
    Parasound 2250 Amp
    Sony 26" KDL series Bravia LCD
    Panny DMR-EH75 Recorder
    Panny DVD-F87 (5 disk DVD player)
    NAD T585 (DVD/SACD)
    Yamaha DVD-C961 (5 disk SACD/DVD)
    SciAnt Explorer 8500HD Cable Box
    Orig & 5Gen iPods, , Wii
    Plans/Fantasies:
    • 400 disk player that handles ALL formats, sounds as good as NAD with Panasonic interface & compatability.
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  • vonnie123
    vonnie123 Posts: 326
    edited September 2008
    McLoki wrote: »
    45% speakers
    45% electronics (source, pre, amp)
    10% cables.


    That is a very reasonable ratio. Mine is close to that with most of the cables being plucked off the used market.
    [
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