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What's your investment threshold?

This question only goes out to those like myself who enjoy the system gains running better cables bring.  Non-believers can save their money and comments for another thread.

Do you impose on yourself a percentage range for cable spending relative to other components?

Speaking for myself, I do consider cables to be a component decision worthy of budget, but I seem to have stayed in the 10-30% range of what I've spent on other components.  I can't see spending $1k for a cable on a $1k component for example.  I have spent $1,500 for speaker cables for a $6k amp.  That seems nearer the high end of my range but it still fits. 

I realized I haven't planned this as a hard rule, but that's kind of how this has worked out for me over time.  Anyone out there think a much higher percentage is justified?  I won't argue because these improvements are worth all the enjoyment you can get, so more power to you.

jsm71

Showing 1 response by elizabeth

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I use a Kimber KS1016 ($1,100) from my bought used $250 DAC to my ’tube buffer’ VAC Standard ($1,400 used)
So I am guilty as charged, of using a much more expensive cable than the electronics it is connected to.
On average though, my electronics have been in the $5,000 camp.

Years back I used to be in the 10% camp. That is 10% of the cost of equipment on cables.
If I include the power conditioners in the electronics and not the wire group, and my soon to arrive Magnepan 20.7 speakers.. I will be back in that 10% camp for total cost of IC.

I am resisting totally the power cord upgrade path beyond my Pangea powercords.
I used to be a non believer in powercords too. But bought a pile of Pangea years back and like them. I firmly resist any pressure to experiment further with powercords as a trap and a curse i have no interest in getting into. Ditto Duplex wall doohickeys.
I am totally at the final IC for my system for life.
I spent $7,000 on 5 pair of IC* and they will have to be it for good.
(4) pair of 1.5 meter Kimber KS1016, and one 7meter pair of Kimber KS1116. I still have a few Cardas Parsec in the system too.
(I have fancied a high end AES/EBU cord for a grand instead of the $39 one I now own... but that is only a fantasy so far.)

Speaker cables have been, and will remain Kimber 8TC.

I would say the 10% rule really is one to offer to newbies to have at least a starting point.
For everyone who is a savvy audiophile, the numbers can be ANYWHERE. From using the cheapest wires with a $100,000 system, to using the best wires with cheaper electronics. It can be anywhere. Since it is the sound/ end result, and not some 'theory' that is what matters.
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