Relative component value to overall SQ.


There is a lot of discussion about various things in the hi-fi audio component chain and how they affect SQ and as a beginner it would be interesting to see how folks rate the relative value of these items.

This is not necessarily meant to be a hierarchy. What I would like to see is a percentage value for each item in the chain. Total must be 100%.

I realize this is an artificial construct but I think for newbies building a system it would help them know where to start and where to put initial emphasis.

For simplicity I am leaving out the signal source. Let’s assume that the CDP, DAC, streamer, server or TT are delivering an optimal signal of an optimal recording to the system.

I included room optimization since that is also likely critical.

The components are as follows; assign a percentage to each. Total must be 100 :

Speakers
Speaker cables
Amp
Amp power cord
Interconnect cables
Pre-Amp
Pre-amp power cord
Interconnect cables (to source)
Room optimization


n80
bdp24, you make it sound almost like a rocket science. But you are right.
This thread was clearly started by non-audiophile. The question makes little sense in real world and one never leaves the source and the recordings out.
Personally, I'd rather buy lps than to sit back trying to think of a descent thread...…..
Amen, slaw. CD's too ;-) . Even the radio, if you happen to have a good station nearby.
@inna "This thread was clearly started by non-audiophile."

I think you are correct. The more time I spend on Audiogon the less I think that I am an audiophile. But I'm okay with that.

@inna "The question makes little sense in real world and one never leaves the source and the recordings out."

Agreed. That's why I very clearly stated in the original post:

"Let’s assume that the CDP, DAC, streamer, server or TT are delivering an optimal signal of an optimal recording to the system."

@slaw 
"Personally, I'd rather buy lps than to sit back trying to think of a descent thread...….."

And yet, you see seem to find enough time between buying LPs to make negative comments that bring no useful content to a thread. Good for you. At least you've got your priorities in order.