Ok so base on my research and experience, if you had $5000 dollar, taking into account diminishing returns, this would be how one should allocate budget for a streaming based mid-fi system:

Speakers: 2000 (40%) Power Amp: 1000 (20%) Pre Amp with room correction capabilities: 1000 (20%) (or allocate to physical room treatment things. Everything else (20%) DAC: 500 Streamer: 200 Cables and interconnects : 200 (not much audible difference so long as not use the shittiest ones) Stands: 100

This is based on that

Speaker matters the most, then suitable amp = room acoustics/speaker placement, then perhaps quality of the DAC’s photo stage pair with a decent DAC chip, then everythig else is probably less than 5%.

I mean, we can argue all day on whether cables are snake oil, but I think for most people it is just about the most efficient resources allocation giving a budget constrain.

  • yack59B
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    1 year ago

    Your allocation numbers seem to be reasonable but there may be exceptions based on your own taste. If one piece is “good enough” and cheaper, then maybe take the extra money away from that piece and reallocate it.

  • TenchiroB
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    1 year ago

    Personally I would spend like $4000 on the speakers.

    For example, you could build system with the SourcePoint 10’s, a Yamaha S-701 and a Wiim Pro would be a decent foundation to build on and in that budget. CESS Interconnects and Micca speaker cables are decent and cheap as well.