In the realm of tweaks -- DIY HFTs also take the price/performance prize. I have not tried the SR HFTs, so I have no basis for comparison. But I can say that my own HFTs are very effective. Thanks to Ozzy for some very creative ideas here. At about $1 each my HFTs are very cost effective. I hate to think how much my system would have cost if I had paid MSRP or the going retail price for everything. I would not have been able to afford a system -- certainly not the system I now have. I estimate I paid about 60% of retail for everything.
I have cut down on costs by finding unusual (inexpensive) items that improve SQ on a level with a component upgrade -- such as the Noise Eater from Holland and Kemp products.
I have cut down on costs by finding retired products such as QRT symphonies that are a fraction of the cost of the Nordost Qx4 that incorporates the same technology.
I have cut down on costs by doing a lot of other special DIY things. Sometimes a little tweak here or there can produce an improvement equal to a component upgrade. This is the kind of cost saver that cannot be quantified.
I have cut down on costs by finding unusual (inexpensive) items that improve SQ on a level with a component upgrade -- such as the Noise Eater from Holland and Kemp products.
I have cut down on costs by finding retired products such as QRT symphonies that are a fraction of the cost of the Nordost Qx4 that incorporates the same technology.
I have cut down on costs by doing a lot of other special DIY things. Sometimes a little tweak here or there can produce an improvement equal to a component upgrade. This is the kind of cost saver that cannot be quantified.