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.
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!
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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.
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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. |
A) My system (below video) is the absolute best sound system because it recreates the original sound better than others and 2nd best is far far away. All other systems are just different sounds each other. My system consists world’s best sound components and there is no replacement (no $million component sounds better). https://youtu.be/i5Rrg0CU-XM?si=rW6VJ--P71JQaeZr My system costs about $30k. Wavetouch Antero spkr: $9,500, modded Oppo 95: $5k, Modded Bakoon int amp (3ft IC cable attached): $10k, spkr cable 7ft pair: $2k, 2 power cables: $5,600. B) For $50k, you can get a whole my system ($30k). For rest $20k, you can buy my world’s best Streamer ($5k), DAC ($5k), or a power conditioner ($5k) from me. Alex / Wavetouch audio |
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