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What is proper ratio of money spent on amp/preamp/integrated vs speakers? 1:1?

Lately I'm finding more of a difference in SQ as a move up the chain in the amp/preamp/integrated market and not so much if I try to upgrade speakers.  Plus, buying and selling (and shipping) speakers is a PITA.  But having just upgraded from Devialet D200 to the dual mono D400 and loving it, it feels odd having $8000 (I'm in the used market almost exclusively) worth of power running $4000 worth of speakers, Dynaudio Contour 30's. 

I'm now wanting to upgrade again to the Expert Pro 440, but then we're taking about $10,000 and even more of a skewed ratio.
What is the proper ratio?  Thoughts?
mjmcubfn
cd318
2,636 posts
 
There are no ratios between amplifier and loudspeaker cost but it is generally agreed that amplifier performance flat lines a heck of a lot sooner than does that of loudspeakers (or turntables). Some feel that amps stop improving after around $500 (some say even lower). Unless you have efficient loudspeakers a minimum of 100 Watts should cover most bases.

Whilst the Contour 30s are good, they are far from the last word in sonic reproduction. Better speakers can easily be found, Dynaudio ones included.

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donvito
400 posts
 
It’s Da Bronx in my neck of the woods!
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I think the ratio between element costs becomes less of an issue once you get to a certain level of equipment, such as pieces that are $2k or more.  Have a $10k amp power some $2k bookshelves is not out of bounds of consideration (though the bookshelves could definitely be a weak link in the system now).  Have a $4k amp power some $500 tower speakers will definitely be a less of a good idea (though not out of bounds either).  It just depends on how you want to spend your money, but lower cost items will usually be weak links.
oicu812's avatar
oicu812
110 posts
 
I look for hand me downs, and feel blessed when I run across a bargain.
Speakers are just important as the amp, matching them up is key.
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