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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
grislybutter
3,377 posts
 

@livinon2wheels thanks but it's probably even worse than 50K, I think she would kick me out for a fraction of it. You are lucky to have a partner with empathy for this stuff blush

inna
7,354 posts
 

Well, I gave the simplest possible answer to a complicated question, and I hear no objections so far. Just don't ask about the cost of 95%, it would be much higher.

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,757 posts
 

This has been and hopefully will continue to be wonderfully existential,

One ought to keep in mind that we elected ourselves to be members of The Fringe....'"Old 'philes", with 'imho' to match.  One can either be a part of the 'New Thing' or vague away.....

C'you there...or not. ;)

rbstehno
1,480 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.

 

waytoomuchstuff's avatar
waytoomuchstuff
1,171 posts
 

I'd like to add that our subjective appreciation of the music is linear.  The cost is exponential.  

Let's say, for example, the best speaker "bang for the buck" is $300/pr. A clear audible upgrade may cost twice that.  Then, twice that.  Then twice that. Until we reach the stratosphere. You'll also find that lower price points are "all business" where the lion's share of the investment is in sound quality.  As we move up the ladder, elements of esthetics, build quality (yes, does have an effect on sound quality, but not linear) come into play.  Those factors may be very important to the owner who's willing (and able) to invest in them.  Money well spent.

Obtaining quality and/or quantity is not expensive if you target one, or the other.  Getting both simultaneously gets pricey in a hurry, but also represents the best-of-best in world-class gear.

Back when I was a dealer, our "reference" 2-channel system topped out at $80k retail.  It's nice to see this aligns with the "take this exit" price point with many of you.

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