cost of speakers in relation to the rest of the system


I don't intend this to be a "How much should I spend for speakers" question.  Seems a number of folks generally recommend a third to two-thirds.  My question is, generally for discussion, whether folks found happiness and "success" in spending significantly less than that.  Or--by price, are you happy with speakers that might be considered by some folks outclassed by your other equipment and don't think the speakers are the "weak link?"

As a "favorite" professor might have said too often, "Discuss."

I would think there would be a number of Maggie MMG/1.7 folks, Tekton DI folks, probably some Omega folks, some vintage speaker folks.... others?
stfoth
I've never subscribed to any sort of "ratio" when it comes to complementing my amp/preamp or integrated setup, but retrospect relates that I've spent far less on speakers than the aforementioned equipment. 

Then again, I've been fortunate enough to purchase various Thiel models used, a couple Von Schweikerts, and more than a few others which were obtained at fractions of their original selling prices. Which, if calculated at their original prices more or less has me on par with my amps, etc. 

I like Thiel first and foremost, followed by Magnepan, Usher, Von Schweikert, Totem, and Dynaudio. Some were expensive , some were not - my wheelhouse thus far has been around $4000 for new models, and I think once you hit this mark the rewards diminish precipitously. 
Does a $10,000 speaker best a $3000 speaker?  Maybe. Perhaps. But the performance increase - real or imagined - comes in much smaller increments as you move up the ladder. 

Given their relatively small footprint Totem speakers are pretty damn amazing. Same can be said for Maggies - albeit with a larger physical impression. For me, it's Legacy Thiel. 

Don't fall into a trap with a ratio. There are truly so many very good speakers to be had out there that price alone cannot introduce you to. 


I don't think we go into it with a set ratio. I think the OP was just asking what the ratio ended up being. And yes, I think it should be based on msrp all around, I also got a much better deal on my used speakers than electronics 
jl35--I thought it would be interesting where folks ended up and why, especially folks who had "success" or were happy with systems with less spent less on speakers than the 1/3 to 2/3 that seem to often be suggested in other threads.. There are a few "how much should I spend" questions in other threads, and, even here, a lot of recommendations to go very speaker-heavy on the budget.  To me, MSRP is as good of a guideline as any for things like this---certainly it throws everything off if someone got a great deal on a used set of super-awesome mega-buck speakers from a widow who actually did sell them for a fraction of what she had been told they cost (as the joke goes).  But, I guess MSRP might not work for some speakers that are on a perpetual Jos. A. Banks sale, either.

I tend to be amp-heavy on spend, except in the primary system.  Odd how it worked out.  Not by design, but just how things fall into place.  Might be different if the situation was--I have $X and one shot to build one rig all at once--rather than building things over time and swapping things in and out.




My spending double ( msrp) on speakers was due to a great deal. I actually spent close to the same for each component 
@stfoth  

Since you are asking: "where folks ended up and why, especially folks who had "success" or were happy with systems with less spent less on speakers than the 1/3 to 2/3 that seem to often be suggested in other threads "..... 

For my current system, the speaker spend is 13% of the total system spend (and that's including everything including platforms, footers, power conditioning, rack etc. etc.)  It will end up being closer to 10% once I bring in a new front end and some front end related items. At that point my system will be complete.

And, YES, I'm extremely happy and satisfied with system performance at this point in time.