If your whole system costs $40,000....

Verdier La Platine, Grandezza Reference arm
Nain CD555 PS555
Doshi Alaap & Wavelength 45 silver
Wavelength Cardinal 300b
Beauhorn Virtuoso
Magnum Dynalab 106T Signal Sleuth

Tpreaves,

Yes, you are right. Say for example, $4000 for cdp, $36000 for others e.g. speaker, amp, pre, cables, etc. Thats spending 10% of whole system.

Isochronism,

Great form of reply, thanks! If you are able to state individual costs would be more informative, but may taking you too much time though.

In other words, I would like to know most of you how important do you treat investing a CDP is among the whole system. Especially a ratio on SPEAKER : CDP, I know this is not scientific, but I just really wonder I am too far from average, my speaker $7500, my cdp is $2100. My pre-amp is $4100, my amp is $3500.

My idea is upgrade a CDP to get more analytical detail and extensions on the bottom, am I on a right direction or what?

I did not devise a formula prior to building my system, it just came out this way. I do place importance on source.

If you have $40,000 to drop on a system, you have many choices for a good CD player. Try some well received ones and see. Buy used so you can sell and change without taking a loss. Start with the Cambridge Azur 840c (a very solid performer) and go from there.

The only thing else I would add is also consider going to a music server and DAC with possibly a network music player if needed if you are not uncomfortable with dealing with computers. OR maybe investigate integrated music server devices that target audio enthusiasts, but expect to pay a premium for teh extra convenience mainly.