$100K Sound Systems ???

+1 When people ask how much my system costs, I try to avoid answering. It sounds like a lot, but spread over 10-15 years, not really. I have a budget and save X per month for upgrades, so that whenever I think I need to upgrade something, I already have most of the money saved.

 

I'd do it in a cocain heartbeat. Give me the cash and I'll prove it.

 

Asking how much someones anything costs is tacky as all hell

 

It depends. I heard a $100,000 system at a dealer and I thought that my $20,000 system cobbled together over the years was superior. It was proof that price has no bearing on quality.

 

And price has no bearing on your own tastes. I heard the B&W 803s with a top tier VPI table and huge mono blocks and was very unimpressed as was my wife. Detailed and fast?...yes. But just bland.

 

I think the total retail price of my entire stereo is under 10k and I already feel a bit foolish for it. I enjoy hi-fi, the process, the gear, etc....but when I'm being honest with myself, I enjoyed music just as much when my rig were far more modest.

The most valuable component in a stereo is FREE TIME

 

My neighbors already complain about my modest system. But I guess if I had that kind of money, I'd have a castle with lots of land, surrounded by a moat with alligators.

 

Nope!

 

I wouldn't. I would buy B&W 801's, A mac integrated amp, the MT-10 TT and an oppo 105D and never need anything else. Not sure what that adds up to, but it sure isn't 100k. And I would never be wanting for anything as long as I can stare at the blue meters while the music plays.

I agree with those who talk about acquiring the system slowly. Most people don't wake up with a 100k system. It wouldn't be as fun anyways. It's more fun to build it slowly over time.

Well, I could spend an awful lot on the vinyls but not more than say 20k.

 

Frankly it bums me out anyone feels obligated to justify their 100K stereo. Power to 'em. Some people collect CARS. I know who I'd rather hang out with.

 

100k$ for THE WHOLE system? You are talking about mid-fi, my dear.

 

My dream speakers alone cost 30K . Klipsch Palladium P39F


Not that I could squeeze them in my living room, mind you.

 

It's proof that system setup, matching, and the room have a bearing on quality. Some people take years perfecting rooms matching and setup. That's much different from a dealer that rolls a couple or speakers and some amps into a room for you to listen.

 

Nope. Happy with what I got, kind of like this morning on the way to work when I pulled up next to a guy in a gorgeous new Ferrari. I was in my 2008 Mini convertible and would not trade with him. I admire the heck out of engineers, designers, craftspersons, and others who conceive of and create amazing things, but no matter how cool they are I don't necessarily want them. But I would love a little house overlooking Cannon Beach or Neskowin!

 

If I spent a $100,000 on myself then I'm definitely spending another couple hundred thousand on my pretty women. Now I'm up to 300k.

 

I heartily agree the point of diminishing returns kicks in way below six digits. My system is mid four digits, and although I will admit I have heard pricier systems that had distinguishing features I'd be hard pressed to say I really liked any of them appreciably better.

 

I stopped reading Stereophile and the like years ago so I don't really have any equipment in mind. I love my system the way it is, but if I had a spare $100k, I would enjoy the hunt for a pair of super expensive monitors.

 

All of them.

 

When I see this discussion I think of the Uncle Sam character in the animated lead in to the Grateful Dead movie-fried out of his mind on LSD and REALLY grooving to his $5 radio.

 

Bingo! Buddy of mine has the same type system. 803s if memory serves and HUGE Krell amps, Audio Research pre-amp........ The attack is phenomenal as are most female vocals but there's not a lot of warmth to it. Nice room too, so that's not it.

 

If I was making $50,000 a year with wife and kids ,no.If I got a windfall or lottery money I would spend as much as it took for perfection(to my ears) 100K or 1000K.

 

Price does not guarantee great sound - been there, done that.

I've had direct experience with Japanese-designed $350k SET monoblocks.
I've had direct experience with French-designed solid state $7k stereo and $20k stereo/$40k monoblocks.

I easily preferred the French solid state including the more vivid tonality as well as the precision, control & PRAT and construction quality.

The core attribute is always the design. Always.

 

I have endeavored over the decades to create ever better sound systems. It is amazing what can be accomplished via used market, close outs and being in the right place at the right time for a sale. there is not one item in my system I paid full list price.

Except NOS tubes. I have paid silly money for ones that originally cost a few dollars in 1950.

 

The first thing that I would do is choose the speaker system that provides the sound I like in the designated listening area. The next move would be auditioning the driving electronics by first checking the speaker manufacturer recommendations. I would also want to audition some distinctly different designs that I respect and like such as McIntosh and Pass Labs.

I guess the front end cost would depend upon the type of sources that perform at the maximum level providing the desired quality with your chosen speakers and amplification.

The above is roughly how I would approach the building of a new system from the ground up which is something that I might be doing in the near future.