My 2-1-1 Rule for Buying an Audio System

by Andy Simonds

There is a lot of advice out there for buying audio equipment. Most of it very good.

For example: Start with the Speaker. 

100%. Work from the speaker backwards. Speaker, Amp, Source. I will write another post about that. Some people say the opposite, and of course, my advice is correct and their advice is not (this is the way of the internet).

But for this post my 2-1-1 rule is how I have always purchased audio equipment. This is about $$. How do you allocate your budget when purchasing and/or upgrading your stereo/hi-fi system.

It's simple. If you have a $1000 to spend. Spend it using a ratio of 2-1-1 like this:

  • $500 on speakers
  • $250 on Amp/Pre-amp
  • $250 on source(s)

Try and stay in that general area. Why?

Speakers, Speakers, Speakers

Speakers are what makes the difference. They have the most impact on the sound. I have heard amazing things out of amazing speakers driven by very cheap equipment. If you spend a lot on speakers, it makes sense to get the most out of them and not cut corners on the audio food chain that feeds them. But it also doesn't make sense to over-spend on a source, or an amp to drive a cheap speaker.

This is where this 2-1-1 ratio rule really helps. Not only for when you purchase, but even when considering an upgrade. Don't fall into the trap that if you splurge on a new amp it will have a big impact on your sound. It might if you have $10,000 speakers being driven by a $500 amp. But if you have $10,000 speakers and $5,000 amp (if you do, you have a great system already) - save your $$. Save up for the next speaker upgrade.

OK - there has to be some exceptions right? I'll allow a few.

  • The weakest part of your system needs replacing (say a DAC). And you know that you want to get something that will survive a future planned upgrade of the rest of the system. Go for it. By that perfect DAC. 
  • Vinyl. If you are nuts about Vinyl and getting the best quality, you can spend a lot to get massive improvement. I heard someone say that to get any type of good quality out of a vinyl you need to spend $8k. I haven't tested that theory myself, but it is believable. Vinyl does not sound as good as digital. Full stop. But if you want it to get close, or even surpass in certain particular scenarios - you can easily out-spend your speakers and not be disappointed. 

Those caveats aside. Remember: Speakers, Speakers, Speakers

-Andy  

Back to Notes from an Audiophile