Why do folks spend more on electronics than on speakers?


Hello, just curious on this subject. I have seen threads where folks ask for advice on how to allocate their budget and this topic comes up. I also see systems posted on various forums where folks have $10K-$20K in gear driving $2K-$5K in speakers and wonder why. I have traditionally been a speakers first person as that is where I have noticed the greatest differences. For those that allocate more on gear vs speakers what are your reasons? No judgement, I am just interested in hearing another point of view.

mrteeves

Im with Ross B on this one.  From my experience, if you have a really dolid front end then many speakers will sound good.  I’ve also found that more $ doesn’t always equate to better sound.  You can get exceptionally good speakers for $2-$5k.  If you buy used, even less $.  I could justify used $1400 speakers and $8k on the rest.  Everything matters.  Dac, source, preamp, amp, cables, room treatments.  Overspend on speakers right out oc ghe gate and good luck following through on the rest.  $10k spread out evenly will smoke $7500 speakers with $2500 left over for the aforementioned

@jpan, I should have clarified. In my original post when I say electronics I meant preamp and power amp or integrated as this is the forum for those things. I should have been more clear. I totally get if one added up source, pre/power, cables, etc it’s not too crazy that they could rival or exceed speakers in cost. Espeically if one is using vinyl as the main media.

I guess what I was thinking is when I see a McIntosh stack driving something like a pair Q Acoustics 3050i or Kef R7s. No disrespect to these speakers.

I rather know that I'm giving my speakers best chance to shine and they can show me what they are truly capable of, then have good speakers and feed them crap.

Some believe source matters most (Linn), others say it’s the speakers where the money should be spent. I spent the most on my speakers, about $5500 (also own 2 other pairs @ $449 & $899, both sound terrific for the price), next came the integrated amps, from $1699 to $3250 (I own 3), my turntables cost from $999 to $2100 (I own 5). Cd transport $1299, Sacd player $900, dac $1200. I won’t mention brands to bore anyone.