How do you determine how much to spend on speakers

I subscribe entirely Swampwalker's opinion:

"In other words, high end speakers driven by average electronics will NOT sound as good as good electronics driving average speakers."

I had one system where the weak-link were the speakers: they were too good!!! Superb detail and transparency showed all the limitations of the source, amplifiers and cables!
I've only found two ways of making that system play enjoyable music: Replace all the electronics and cables by much more expensive ones (5k source; 11k amps; 4k cables); or replace the "high-end" speakers by normal "hi-fi" speakers.

From my personal experience I have also found out that for most balanced systems, the largest sum of money should go for the amplifiers, and not the speakers:
1. Amplifiers
2. Speakers
3. Source and cables

Sony I agree that better electronics are more important than better speakers. The issue I would have with your statement is that the amp is more important than the source.

What is the better amp going to add back into the music that the lesser source did not get off of the LP or CD? Everything lost at the source is lost forever. The source is far and away the most important piece, but all things are important!

In my system,I spent about half my budget on speakers,about a quarter for amplification,and about a quarter for sources. I used supplied innerconnects and 16g hearter cord from the hardware store as speaker wire.

I have no quibble with those who would break it down into thirds instead of 2 to 1 to 1.

You mentioned that you are a beginner at this.I hesitate to tell you how to spend five thousand because I don't know your room or your listening preferences.

That said,for a beginner,I suggest using a search engine to find AVA (Audio by Van Alstine) and Odyssey Audio. Take the time to look over their sites and when you have any questions,e mail them,with the knowledge that they market excellent stuff for the money and will give you honest advice.

I have not heard the Biro L-1s(I'm one of those panel speaker nuts.) but I'm sure those(from AVA) and anything Klaus(from Odysssey Audio) recommend with their equipment would be fine deals for the money.

Then,when you are no longer a beginner and can put together used stuff properly,you can do well at this site.

Nrchy, I haven't said that the amplifiers are more important than the source, but that I would put more money on them. Without a good source, forget about it. The main reason to spend more money in the amplifier than the source is simple: Good amplifiers are much more expensive than good sources!

With 5K you can buy a good source.
With 5K you can only buy an average altough powerful amplifier or a fine but weak amplifier.

Intersting comments, Sony. There may be something to that. I have about $13,000 worth of front end in the TT/arm/cartridge, and about $15,000 (I think) worth of electronics for the amp. That certainly coincides with your assessment. BUT since I did not pay retail, in actual dollars there was more money spent on the front end.

Velly intaresssstingk!