Breakdown of audio investment

Thanks to those who replied to my post so far. For those who asked, what I'm mainly interested in is how much of your system's value is attributable to stuff such as cables, racks, tweaks, power conditioners, etc. I was quite surprised to realize that close to 40% of my system's worth is due to such items. Have I gone overboard or is this ratio "acceptable" or widespread among audiophiles?

I think you are going to find answers all over the map that will result in no helpful answer. There is no guarantee in this hobby that more money spent in one area over another will result in better sound.

All major components in about the same price area is a good place to start. Since everyone above is hovering around +/- 20% each, seems to indicate this. I have spent more on cables than most.

Whether you have gone beyond the pale, so to speak, on your tweeks, rack & cables depends to a great degree on how much you have invested in your electronics and speakers. If you have 50K invested and 20K is in tweeks, I want to get to know you better, I need some money! If you have 10K invested and 4K in stuff thats not nearly as disproportionate. What would really facinate me, is the $ ratio of equipment to software. I always have the impression in this forum that the ratio is very high on the equipment value end.

Mephisto; it seems to me that if you have a $5K system, 40% ($2000.) would be a LOT for wires, racks, tweaks etc., IMO, as it leaves less money for good quality speakers, main components etc. But if you have a $50K system, $20K or 40% for wires and tweaks might seem a little excessive, but at this price level it still leaves plenty of bucks for high quality primary components and speakers.

So it's kind of relative to the total value of your system. Because they (usually) cost less per unit, it seems easier to buy wires and tweaks etc., than high bucks major components.

In going through this exercise, I see I have about 25% in wires, rack, and tweaks and I don't consider it excessive (most is in wires)-- this is based on a low $40sK system (MSRP). In fact I think it was money well spent-- just my perspective. Cheers. Craig.

Vinyl playback: 40.1%
(incl. phono stage)
Amp: 19.1
CD playback: 14.3
Speakers: 9.5
Racks: 6.2
Interconnects: 5.6
Power cords, etc. 5.2