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
Precisely! jmcgrogan2

the ARC Ref5SE is a very fine pre-amp indeed. Nothing wrong w/ being a smart shopper. Happy Listening!
The basic premise of these being “investments” is wrong.   these are all expenses, not invest,ents
"+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.
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. 
The basic premise of these being “investments” is wrong.   these are all expenses, not invest,ents

I disagree.  Per Wikipedia:  In general, to invest is to allocate money (or sometimes another resource, such as time) in the expectation of some benefit in the future. 

The expected benefit for a financial investment is money.  The expected benefit for an audio investment is improved sound.  I invest both money and time toward getting better sound.