This is an impossible question to really answer. Too many variables to sound quality, source quality, room acoustics etc. in general you must have quality loud speakers and an amp/preamps to drive them. I have about $60K in my system and it’s really amazing to me at least.
What does 90% of the Absolute Best Sound Cost?
Like many things, I have come to believe that the cost of incremental improvements in audio come at exponentially increasing costs - e.g., big improvement from $5K to $10K, less so from $10 to $15K, etc. All of us have our limits regarding what we can/will spend to achieve our best possible/practical audio experience. So, a couple of questions that I am sure are at least somewhat subjective.
A. What does it cost, in terms of components, interconnects, and direct furnishings (e.g., racks, isolation pads, surface room treatments, etc.) to achieve 90% of the absolute best sound possible?
B. What % does $50,000 get you?
FWIW, my setup is at about $21,000 actual cost ($32,000 original retail) and I am really happy with it right now. All of my incremental spend for the next couple of years is going to be working the room itself. Looking forward to your perspectives!
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Asking the audiophile community about the absolute best sound is problematic from the outset. Assigning a dollar figure to it precludes the majority who simply cannot afford a private jet. What is it you're looking for? For me, it is climbing a ladder to the best you can find and afford. I've been doing this for decades and incremental systems in different environments. When you talk about spending $250K for a perfect listening room I say more power to you. And build that mega mansion while you're at it. This whole project is an incremental experience and that is the pleasure of it. All of us remember the revelatory experience of putting a transformative piece of equipment into their setup and marveling that things could actually be like that. I could make a list, but each time it was not a matter of money. It was a matter of what you could hear that you couldn't hear before. Ultimately, with my present system, everything I did to it was jaw-dropping. I think with all the accessories I put maybe 45K into it, from scratch after a move. Inspired by a (I hope) final move plus a windfall. You know when you're there when you realize that what you're doing is listening to the recording and evaluating it, seemingly forgetting about the equipment. If you're at that point you can still play with your cables and room treatments for fun, but the main point is that you're happy. If your rich uncle passes away maybe you can get some 50K speakers, but remember you were happy when you were 25 and your setup let you hear the music. It's not a contest. Just get to the point you can afford and enjoy the music. |
It’s not a linear equation. It is a series of simultaneous equations: Great gear Great room dimensions and construction Proper speaker and listener position set-up Proper room tuning Commensurate cabling that extracts the best from the gear Electronic noise reduction (black background) The best recordings (some redbook is great, some is not so great, for instance)
Did I miss any pieces? This is why it is difficult. |
@avanti1960 my room is roughly 15x24 with a ceiling not quite 7 feet. One back corner is clipped from the rectangle and I have four 3" square posts to deal with. So, while I have some significant challenges working the room, I am dealing with a nearfield listening environment - love seat ~2/3 back, speakers ~2.5 feet from front and side walls in a pretty good equilateral triangle to the sweet spot. Rack is centered but set back - I like looking at my gear: Dual CS 529 I know I can upgrade my power conditioner. But other than that, I am working on the room. |
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