It's not how much you spend but how you spend it. I have heard a lot of expensive systems that I thought sounded awful, but they were not put together well. A cheap, but properly set up and interfaced system can outperform an expensive conglomeration of stuff that is just thrown together. Pick a reasonable budget that still allows you to have a life and some money left over for music. Listen to some live music that you like and gravitate towards stuff that mimics that sound. Consider your room characteristics and constraints. Also pay attention to the way components interact with one another.
What of your gross annual income is your system?
It's the old case of my eyes & ears wanting more than the wallet will permit. . . I realize that to the degree that music is important in your life will influence your spending on system components, tweaks and music. What % of your annual gross income would you say your system is worth? Moreover, how have you allocated your system investment (as a %) to amp, pre-amp, speakers, wires, source etc.? THanks for your input.
Kevinzoe
Kevinzoe