2. cables
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What's your investment threshold?

This question only goes out to those like myself who enjoy the system gains running better cables bring.  Non-believers can save their money and comments for another thread.

Do you impose on yourself a percentage range for cable spending relative to other components?

Speaking for myself, I do consider cables to be a component decision worthy of budget, but I seem to have stayed in the 10-30% range of what I've spent on other components.  I can't see spending $1k for a cable on a $1k component for example.  I have spent $1,500 for speaker cables for a $6k amp.  That seems nearer the high end of my range but it still fits. 

I realized I haven't planned this as a hard rule, but that's kind of how this has worked out for me over time.  Anyone out there think a much higher percentage is justified?  I won't argue because these improvements are worth all the enjoyment you can get, so more power to you.

jsm71
joey_v
663 posts
 
I have Audioquest WELs 8ft speaker wire and four power cords plus AQ Wind interconnect.

it is about 2x the retail of my speakers so it would appear my percentage lies around 35% of my system.

i didn’t plan it, just turned out that way
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,601 posts
 
Precisely! jmcgrogan2

the ARC Ref5SE is a very fine pre-amp indeed. Nothing wrong w/ being a smart shopper. Happy Listening!
co93
61 posts
 
The basic premise of these being “investments” is wrong.   these are all expenses, not invest,ents
sdj888
13 posts
 
"+1 dfwhip "
so well said, almost poetic.
My system at 10k s/hand, cabless at 2k s/hand, but it's also about the number of components to be connected. For me is 3x IC's and speaker cables. S/hand offers me great value, components run in and realistic resale value. I generally buy to keep.
dfwhip
6 posts
 
sdj888 - thank you, glad my comments resonated with you. 

Secondhand equipment is indeed a great option to consider when building a system. Besides being very cost effective, it also helps keep the high-end audio industry going because it helps fund another person's upgrades. My system is a mix of new and used. 
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