Wasn’t it Linn (a maker of expensive turntables, not speakers) who, back in the 1970s, first advocated for spending as much or, actually, more on your source as on your speakers (“Garbage in—garbage out” thinking), throwing the first wrench into the 50-75% on speakers/25-50% on everything else equation? Hmmmm.
Of course that was back during a time now lost to us—a time when power cords were permanently attached to each component, a time before expensive room treatments, cable risers, power conditioners, hospital-grade outlets, $four- and $five-figures speaker wire, ICs, and PCs—back when, after you bought a stereo, the salesguy merely counted up how many RCAs you needed (threw them into a bag), and then cut two lengths of 18 gauge brown (sometimes clear) speaker wire (off a roll in the back room), to the length you requested, and added those to the bag—all free of charge.
Simpler times?
After 50 years in this hobby, I’ve thrown the whole percentages-spent table out the window. I’ve traded in $6500.00 components for $500.00 ones—because the less-expensive ones sounded better to me in my system. I believe, to a point, in harmony or synergy or whatever you want to call it. But it’s really rarely just about money spent. Even after you think you’ve achieved “Synergy, sometimes on some material through some sources—it disappears. It’s elusive. Something’s missing. It just ain’t there anymore. But synergy ain’t always there in my marriage, either. Depends on the day, the material, the volume, my mood, the source.
Eventually—after I add up all that’s come and gone—I feel like I end up spending 110% on each and every component in my stereo. Do the math.
I also ain’t done chasing better sound—better synergy, more harmony, more whatever. And I know, given the time and resources, that I’ll make a lot more costly mistakes before I’m dead. That’s just part of the trip.
Synergy or bust!
Party on!
Of course that was back during a time now lost to us—a time when power cords were permanently attached to each component, a time before expensive room treatments, cable risers, power conditioners, hospital-grade outlets, $four- and $five-figures speaker wire, ICs, and PCs—back when, after you bought a stereo, the salesguy merely counted up how many RCAs you needed (threw them into a bag), and then cut two lengths of 18 gauge brown (sometimes clear) speaker wire (off a roll in the back room), to the length you requested, and added those to the bag—all free of charge.
Simpler times?
After 50 years in this hobby, I’ve thrown the whole percentages-spent table out the window. I’ve traded in $6500.00 components for $500.00 ones—because the less-expensive ones sounded better to me in my system. I believe, to a point, in harmony or synergy or whatever you want to call it. But it’s really rarely just about money spent. Even after you think you’ve achieved “Synergy, sometimes on some material through some sources—it disappears. It’s elusive. Something’s missing. It just ain’t there anymore. But synergy ain’t always there in my marriage, either. Depends on the day, the material, the volume, my mood, the source.
Eventually—after I add up all that’s come and gone—I feel like I end up spending 110% on each and every component in my stereo. Do the math.
I also ain’t done chasing better sound—better synergy, more harmony, more whatever. And I know, given the time and resources, that I’ll make a lot more costly mistakes before I’m dead. That’s just part of the trip.
Synergy or bust!
Party on!
Last edited:
