Perentage system $$ for speakers

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.

I think that it really doesn't make sense to reduce the purchase of speakers to some formula. We all know that paying a little or a lot for speakers is absolutely no guarantee of quality or that you wil ultimately be happy with the purchase. I would say that you want to get the speakers which please you the most and which match the equipment you already have while still allowing you to stay within your budget. That said, this is still a very difficult task in practice, but why make it even more difficult? If your total audio budget were say $50,000, would that say that you have to buy a speaker for $15,000 $20,000 or $25,000? Why? Especially if you can find a speaker for $4000 that sounds as good or better? I agree with Eldragon that while speakers are very important, pay close attention to the preamp. That is where in many systems good sound is turned into bad. I personally don't like the idea of spending megabucks on speakers since at any price point, these are the most "flawed". And raising the price point doesn't necessariyly get you a less flawed product.