cost of speakers in relation to the rest of the system

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.

Without including wires (SCs, ICs, PCs), room treatments, tweaks, or upgraded tubes, my speakers were 42% of my main gear pieces (CD player, preamp, pair of monoblock amps, two subs) when considering full retail costs.