Sum Total Cost Of All Cables In Your Rig?

Maybe $100 just to estimate high. Been putting together systems since i was a kid, which was a long time ago.  So there’s a lot of reuse over the years. Leftover 10 gauge copper house wire for my speakers. 

Hello, 

hard to quantify what should be spent in either or other parts of a system. As some would say, it is rather the musicality reached altogether so if you have a weak point, you only hear its limits. I have spent no more than 700$ (audio project, kimber cables) in my cables but some are DIY or second hand. I would say around 20% and be sure not to have too long cables. 

As I have different RCAs, it is fascinating to hear that it is a different sound if you exchange their place in the system… have you experienced this type of difference too? 

Dont be embarassed!

I am not...

The system value in itself means less than the ratio of balance and satisfaction between all acoustics factors implied (ASW/LV, timbre,dynamic etc) and the value in dollars of the system... 

The less the system cost, if you are able to manage the system/room  to reach the "minimal acoustical satisfaction threshold"  you are the winner ...

I am embarassed for the others who fail and did not know how to make the best optimal working system with any one at any price taking into account his acoustics limitations and constrainst...i am embarassed for those who upgrade without end instead of sticking with one system and solving the acoustics problems or identifying them  (not just room acoustic here ) 

For example a 5 inches drive cannot give 20 hertz signal ...

A low cost amplifier will not reach the maximal acoustical satisfaction threshold never mind your set of tools, but it can reach the minimal acoustical satisfaction level...

This level is way enough to enjoy music smiling as i do with my 1000 bucks system with no embarassment at all ... On the opposite i am proud of my ratio S.Q. /price...

It prove i learned something, i just did not use an illimited budget trusting marketing ploy ...

Never stay embarassed for the wrong reason...

I will welcome your posts...

I am like you anyway ...

Sometimes I’m embarrassed to post on AG. Many of the listed cable investments are multiples beyond my total system cost. 

Don’t get me wrong. Those who are able to invest in reference level equipment benefit everyone as technology has a way of trickling down to lower cost items or become available on the used market, a few years down the road. 

That being said, I probably have about $400 dollars invested in cables.

Not necessarily.....after a certain point, there is no endless upward motion in fidelity, there are just differences in sound, i.e., sideways motion...especially with cables

Someone’s estimate could also represent different types of cables in different rigs, different synergy, optimized for different types of music and so on (not a single rig). This thread is meant to accommodate all such persons.

@ericba  wrote

The total cost is not really indicative IMHO . What is more informative and pertinent is the percentage relative to the total cost of the system, I read a long time ago that a ratio of about 10-15% is recommended.It has been a useful guide for me.

Forgot to add in a second phono amp to preamp cable.

c. $490

... about $360.