How do you determine how much to spend on speakers

I should point out that I am not saying in my post above that the %%% I spent was a planned attack or a method of someone else putting something together. I did no planning when I did this system. I just bought what I wanted. I sat and figured the percentage on a calculator just for this thread. I am surprised though at how close every category is and to me it tells me that they are all important, because the cdp went in first with the old system and then the speakers, then each piece was upgraded one at a time so I did get to see the improvements in stages although it only lasted a couple of weeks in between some upgrades. The one thing I left out was room control which I have some of to and it is equally important. I could probably include that in the racks which would bump that up 3 or 4 % maybe. I think the most important thing is to talk to someone who knows how to match things well and then decide what to spend and would say spread out the money, don't put it all in one place.

The speakers are the weakest link , spend on good speakers they will serve you better in the end ...

regards,

You're looking at almost exactly what I have in my system. First you have to understand that there is always something that will sound better than what you have. The goal is to own equipment that makes you happy. I purchased a pair of Focal 836v speakers ($3,000) and Integra 50 receiver ($1,400) and an Integra CD player ($300). I can't have a dedicated 2 channel system so this gave me the best overall sound. Later I added a Martin Logan Dynamo 700 subwoofer to handle the .1 movie duties. I've listened to many of the Focal Chorus series speakers on a system that is intended for the Utopia line so I've heard them on equipment where the speakers were worth less than the tax on the cables used in the system and they sound great there and on affordable equipment. Unless you're the type that is never happy, any system in the 5k range should sound wonderful.

Don't spend a bunch of money on a CD player IF you plan to hook it with a toslink cable and stay digital into a receiver as there isn't any difference. The digital signal is nothing more than ones and zeros. If you're going analogue from the CD player then it makes a difference.

I just purchased my wife's dad a pair of Focal 706v speakers and compared them to Paradigm, B&W, PSB, Martin Logan and a few other speakers in a similar price range and had my opinion of the Focal Chorus series confirmed. They really sound great.

I'd recommend listening to a set of Focal Chorus 816v, 826v and/or 836v, you'll may find something you like.

If you want superb Hi End Audio system set up, go for this:

1- Totem's Limited Edition The One speaker, US$3400.
2- CD Player: RAYSONIC CD168, US$1578.
3- Bada LB-5500 Power Filter Plant,US$115.
4- YAQIN MS-12B Tube phono Pre-Amplifier,US$226.
5- Cayin A-88T integrated/power vacuum tube amplifier, US$1700.
6- Speaker cables, Part Two: Audience-Au 24 2.5 meter, US$800.
7-Interconnect Cables: Audience Au-24 interconnects 1meter, US$502.
8- Cable Elevators: Dark Field,US$105 for 4 field.
9- Power Cable: Anaconda CX Price US$1808 for 3 power cable.
10- Speaker Tuning Feet, US$376 for 2 speaker.

How much money is in my bank account? That's how much money I can spend on speakers!

Just kidding of course. In all seriousness, the REAL way I determine how much money I can spend on speakers is the shade of red my wife's face turns when I mention price. Pale pink means "go," but beat red means "too much."

;)

-Aaron