Perentage system $$ for speakers

Your speakers ought to cost the same as the sum total of your source components. Add up the cost of your analog rig, digital source (CD player or seperates), tuner, etc. Jeff

I think it depends a lot on what type of music you listen to, and what comprises the rest of your gear. I'm also assuming you're talking about a 2-channel setup. Total budget would affect the answer as well. As a general answer, though, if I were setting out to buy a new system today I'd spend 40-50% on the two speakers.

I would have to agree, more with the 15-30% than, with the posts above. I believe that pre-amp, if separate, should be the component, to build your system around.

I am sort of baffled by the above posts, but i guess everyone has thier own way. I think you should select the rest of your equipment based on your speakers. Buy the cheapest speakers that you really like and buy appropriate electronics for them. You may not have enough money left over. But it will be less expensive to save up to buy better gear later than to replace your speakers and start over. I don't like the idea of set percentages, but unless you own a turntable, I think the speakers should be the most expensive piece.