How do you determine how much to spend on speakers


Hello all,

I am just starting out in this HI-FI stuff and have a pretty modest budget (prospectively about 5K) for all. Any suggestions as to how funds should be distributed. At this stage, I have no interest in any analog components. Most notably, whether or not it is favorable to splurge on speakers and settle for less expensive components and upgrade later, or set a target price range and stick to it.

Thanks
krazeeyk
GREAT SYSTEM but would put you in the 5 to 6 grand range. B&W804N SPEAKERS, CONRAD JOHNSON PV14L PREAMP, MF2500 CONRAD AMP AND ANY DECENT CD PLAY USED FOR AROUND $800, bi-wire the speakers and use decent cables to connect equip but don't spend alot here. I have close to this only I have the mf2250 and it doesn't completely satisfy the 804's but I have since biamped and added another amp. wish I would've got the mf2500 to begin with. speaker placement is critical and my 804's sound great and have disappeared in the music and the sound stage and realness is great. I wouldn't even think about a tuner.
*$2000-$3000 speakers.(many great choices in that price)
*$650-$1000 source(CDP,Turntable or PC system with ext.DAC)
*$1000-$1500 amp,preap or integrated amp.
*$200-$500 room acoustics (absorbers, diffusers)
*NO MORE THEN $400-$500 on cables and tweaks.This can wait.

Start with your dream speakers first. Shop used market, better value.
Next amps or integrated. Source and acoustic treatment to fine tune your room and fix potential, existing room problems.

GOOD LUCK
M.S
Let me have a redo on this, I've just experienced a system that I've owned for 8 years which I thought sounded pretty good but always thought something was missing. I never realized what power cord upgrades, conditioners, interconnects, and speaker cables could do for a system. Oh and not to forget source components, I.E. cd, or tt. I still have the same amps and pre and speakers I've had. I got a new TT and a new cdp which was a major improvement. This wasn't all I also had the pleasure of experiencing power cords and i-connects. I didn't have any idea, I thought a cdp was a cdp and a cable was a cable. If you are looking to get into this hobby and want somewhere to start don't neglect the source components and power cords starting with the source component. Don't spend all your money on speakers as the signal starts at the source or the cord going to the source. It has been an amazing experience for me finally realizing my systems potential and I hope that others don't make the same mistake I made of listing to good amps, pre's, and speakers thru bad sources and cables. I now think that is the most important part of a system.
I'll largely concur down the line with Xxmalakeixx...and DON'T ignore the used gear market.
Modern electronics - even in the low priced mass produced category - are for the most part simply VERY good. In my 20s, it cost many thousands to achieve what is readily available today for a few hundred dollars.
Your source and your loudspeakers will be largely responsible for 80% plus of the sound that reaches your ears.
Don't waste a lot on fancy cables - but DO spend enough for decent quality - and here again, great used bargains out there.
A'goN people, is there a thread with a longer life than this one? Thanks, whatjd