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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
tdarmstead
1 posts
 
I believe it’s a good percentage of your system and should be chosen per your speakers and their capacity. Don’t forget your power conditioner and monitor. I spent 500$ on one that insures it’s protection. 
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,895 posts
 
Everything matters. Amp matters a lot. Recently I’ve owned 3 amps I can swap among in my system. Each has a very distinct sound. All 3 are way more than enough power (120 - 275 Watts / ch) for my 96dB Tannoys, so overhead & drive capabilities are not really a variable. I’m even writing down particular combinations of cartridge & amp that work best together lol.
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
751 posts
 
You didn’t specify your budget!  I can’t believe all these people made recommendations without that info.  It matters because up to a certain level, you’d be better off with an integrated vs. separate power and pre.  An integrated will compromise on the preamp section, but save $ on an interconnect.
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
I would think speakers would have the biggest impact.  I also think a pair of REL's make a huge difference, especially a lower listening volumes.
mglik
908 posts
 
Clearly, speakers are central. However, you can get and use a perfectly great speaker that is not that pricey. An “honest” transducer need not have the big scale of a large, expensive speaker. And matching your speaker with your amp is also central.
Percentages are not important or relevant. Having the appropriate speaker to amp match is.

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