2. amps-preamps
  3. 170115-165642

How much does power amplifier really matter comparing to other hi-fi components?

What is the best ratio (out of a total of 100%) in terms of money to put in a high-end hi-fi set containing:
1. CD player/DAC, 2. Pre-amp, 3. Power-amp, 4. speakers.
(25% will be assigned to each if the 4 parts are equal).
Can we take this as a reference to distribute the budget when buying power-amp?

Looking forward to learning experiences and technical information from audiophiles including hi-fi dealers.
cclee2022
larryro2
137 posts
 
My recs
Peachtree Nova 150 ( 150 for 8 and 250 watts for 4 ohms) clean power 
Great  sound stage!
I am using a pair of Elac 2,0/6.2 bookshelf speakers designed by Andrew Jones and are unreal for the price- Jones designed for TAD Pioneer etc
These speakers can go forever with great bass clean ,upper end  zero zero fatigue!

pure enjoyment - not fatigue!!!!!

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,623 posts
 
You want to make sure that you don't get a bright or harsh amp, unless you like that sort of thing.  A  bright, let's just call it headache inducing, amp can ruin the sound of your system.
larryro2
137 posts
 
and then there is room acoustics 
good luck 
larryro2
137 posts
 
Don’t feel higher cost is needed to have a great listening environment. My last and current set up cost a mere fraction of the previous setups 
this one superseded the others by far 

dynacohum
693 posts
 
No opinion can be ventured without an overall budget. Can you spend $10K?  Credible products are available in each area for $2K to $3K. If that’s a stretch are you handy?  DIY options are out there. Don’t neglect your room furnishings and speaker placement.
More to discover