Perentage system $$ for speakers

I've done some switching around recently but the approximate list prices of the system I started out with was. Conrad Johnson PV10A Preamp $1500; Conrad Johnson MF2100 Power Amp $1500; and B&W P5 Speakers $1500. I guess 1/3 then.

PS: I did not consider the other components because the preamp and power-amp drive the speakers, but I just realized that my Rotel RCD-990 CD Player also listed for $1500.

And cables, interconnects and power conditioner is probably another $1500.

My experience is not the same as yours, Mailman. When I auditioned speakers, there was a much more immediate and noticeable improvement in those over the lesser models and my old ones than by switching electronics. As a result, right now, I probably have about 50% in the speakers. That said, I am now upgrading the electronics, and will probably end up in the 30% range when done. If you're willing to buy used, amps and speakers are generally avilable at about 50% of list, and last forever ... but sources (espec TT) may be more prudent to buy new. That would certainly drive down the % that the speakers represent.

I think that your speakers and amp should be considered as a single purchase for pure synergy. That combination will run 50-60% of total system budget. In my case the retail on my speakers is $15,000 and the amp is $10,000 and my system total value is about $50,000. These numbers seem to be about right in my case. I mention the amp and speakers together because it is so important to get the part right to get the most out of your speakers. Garbage in - garbage out. Every speaker designer has voiced their speakers using some type of amp and if you find out what works best the speakers will sound their best.