Average System Cost....Thoughts?

[TONEPUB]

Hey forum members:

The two major complaints I get at TONE is that we don't cover gear that is affordable enough and we don't cover gear that is expensive enough! It's about a 50-50 split, so I'm trying to do a little bit of research.

We are going to be adding a lot of web content this year that will be seperate from the magazine that will be covering a lot more entry and mid priced gear, but I'd like to see where everyone is coming from.

I've always felt that the average person probably has a system worth about $2-10k from what I can tell. Obviously, if you have more than one source this could go higher.

Stereophile did a readers survey a couple of years ago and they came up with 10k as the average system cost for their readers. Again, new or used will change this figure dramatically as well.

As always, your thoughts are greatly appreciated....

[triple]

I think I spent around $10K on my single-source sound system. However, if I calculated its value based on list prices, it would be around 40% more.

I bought everything new, but almost never paid full price.

Goran

[PMC7027]

I would say that the average person has a system that is worth less than $500. Best Buy and the other "big box" stores stay in business selling very low priced gear.

If you mean the average TONE reader that's another story...

[Jvalvano]

You will probably get all kinds of answers to this question. A good guess, I think, of the average person who reads this forum and would read Tone would be 10K. You will always get those who complain about expensive reviews and those who complain about cheap gear reviews. You'll never please everybody.

I think expensive gear reviews can be of value because that gear will be next years has beens and will also appear on the used market making it affordable for someone who couldn't buy it new. Value will always be in the eyes and ears of the beholder.

[Steve Hoffman]

I'd say about $4,000.00.

[Steve G]

I'd say about $4,000.00.

that sounds about right factoring in donations from indispensable friends and other nice people.....

-s

[jl151080]

I'd say about $4,000.00.

I doubt I'll ever reach that level!

[drh]

Hey forum members:

...I've always felt that the average person probably has a system worth about $2-10k from what I can tell. Obviously, if you have more than one source this could go higher.....

I hope I'm not being hopelessly boastful if I say that my system is a good bit better than the average, although it's certainly modest by "my cartridge cost as much as a Buick" standards; I like to think that I've managed to get a decent chablis on a generic beer budget, and, to be honest, I've yet to hear a system for which I'd trade it--or even any components that pleased me more than what I have. (That didn't stop me from unsuccessfully going after a pair of cosmetically mismatched McIntosh MC30s on eBay last night, however--malign influence of this forum!) I've bought nearly exclusively used gear and have benefited from a few good curbside finds, and my cables and such are as humble as can be. I'm guessing a good ballpark figure for what I'm using in my main system is a bit under $2K, accumulated over a couple of decades, but, of course, I have more systems scattered around the house (none of which cost me more than a few hundred, if that), and I have some gear, er, "in reserve." Ahem. I actually have far more in my acoustic machines than in my electronics; on that basis, more articles like Steve's in the most recent issue would be most welcome!

[Joe Nino-Hernes]

I have spent about $4000 on my system. Now its actual value...well...its a whole lot more!!! Lets just say, I got really lucky on a few pieces!!

[Steve G]

I've bought nearly exclusively used gear and have benefited from a few good curbside finds, and my cables and such are as humble as can be. I'm guessing a good ballpark figure for what I'm using in my main system is a bit under $2K, accumulated over the course of a couple of decades, but, of course, I have more systems scattered around the house (none of which cost me more than a few hundred, if that), and I have some gear, er, "in reserve." Ahem. I actually have far more in my acoustic machines than in my electronics; on that basis, more articles like Steve's in the most recent issue would be most welcome!

add those odd hundreds and a couple of complements of tubes and the odd TT repair and you get up to the four grand mark pretty quick...

[slinkyfarm]

My main system set me back less than $400, but I have my dad's old EQ, a TT that sat in a friend's garage for 10 years, main speakers from Salvation Army and surround speakers from a garage sale. Ironically, the piece I like the least was the most expensive, my Sony receiver.

List prices, shoot, maybe $1,000?

[Steve Hoffman]

When I was in college I spent $1,200.00 in 1970's money on a system. True, I had that system for over 12 years so it really paid for itself but c'mon, pony up some dough and get a great system. Doesn't have to cost a fortune but buy USED!

My college system:

Pioneer 1010 receiver (500 bucks)
AR3a speakers (450 bucks)
Pioneer 12D turntable (150 bucks)
Shure V15 Type III (75 bucks or so)

Later I got a Concord reel to reel player to screw around with and that cost another 200 bucks.

[TommyTunes]

I'd say about $4,000.00.


According to the HIFI mag's that will just about get you a decent cartridge.

Actually I think you probably hit it on the head at about $4K

[Ski Bum]

The cost of my system (even excluding video) is well above the price of the average new Porsche, though less than the price of a new Ferrari. As you might guess, I am interested in reviews of equipment at the high end of the spectrum.

Having expressed my own preference, I think SH's estimate of $4,000 is a good guess as to the average cost of your readers' systems.

[Hankster]

I'd say about $4,000.00.


Average would be under the (4) mark, I think?

My system cost is way under that price range, but that's by shopping smart - buying vintage. Heck, I don't know what THAT sound quality would cost in todays market? I mean, you can find a quality used reciever for $150 on Ebay. :p

[Ted Bell]

When I was in college I spent $1,200.00 in 1970's money on a system. True, I had that system for over 12 years so it really paid for itself but c'mon, pony up some dough and get a great system. Doesn't have to cost a fortune but buy USED!

My college system:

Pioneer 1010 receiver (500 bucks)
AR3a speakers (450 bucks)
Pioneer 12D turntable (150 bucks)
Shure V15 Type III (75 bucks or so)

Later I got a Concord reel to reel player to screw around with and that cost another 200 bucks.

My college system in the 70s: Believe me, I had NO money other than summer earnings:

Akai cassete deck (forget the model #)
Thorens TD165c turntable with Shure M95ED cartridge
Dynaco PAT4/ST120 built from kit
Dynaco A25 speakers

Probably invested a little less than Steve did. Buying used is a lot easier these days with the internet audio sites and Ebay.

[morinix]

My direct system cost is about 400.00$. How can this be? you might ask. The speakers and CD player came to me for free as far as direct cost. Yeh, I got the pieces for free from my work but I lost my job at Alesis when it whent chapt 11. I have a DIY SRPP tube power amp that direct cost is about 200$. But how do I factor in the 12,000$ cost of tech school?:confused: Also factor in the solder-fume time spent and maybe my system does cost 4,000$ :eek:

Cost? I dunno.
But I do feel in total control of my audio environment (When my wife isn't home:help:)

Regards
Robert

[Gary]

You can always conduct a poll.... :)

[sungshinla]

I can't help you with what an average person's audio system would cost but you should definitely factor in (and I am sure you have already thought about this) the assumption that a person reading your magazine or visiting your website or store is looking to UPGRADE typically.

Therefore, if the low end of the spectrum is $500, your entry level coverage should be at mininum $1,000. Also, if the median level system costs about $4,000, then the bulk of your coverage should be between $6,000 and $10,000.

[Andrew T.]

Would it bother you to know that I wound up with my Marantz SR 4000 receiver and Sansui S-V929U speakers for free? :D

[bru87tr]

I have about $3000 into what I have.

and I am poor. :(

[OldCoder]

I suspect part of the problem with creating a magazine is that while we may have an average investment in the 4 to 5 thousand dollar range (not counting vinyl and cds), we all wish we had several thousand dollars more to spend.

So, you get requests for affordable items that many of us are hoping will be wonderful and underpriced, and you get requests for more expensive toys that we might splurge on if it was the one piece that would take us into a new realm of enjoyment.

So, you are trying to please people with dreams and wishes. Not an easy task....

[bhazen]

Most normal (sic) people think spending more than a few hundred $ for a stereo is insane; many audiophiles probably think spending $2,000-10,000 is a good start. So, there's an issue; I'd say review what you want, and maybe have a "cheapskate" column on affordable audio (say, less than $2,000 or maybe $1,000 for an entire system).

Cheers and a
cafe au lait,
Bruce
(Naim CD5X, Naim Nait 5i, J.M. Reynaud Twin Sigs: $6,000)

[Blackie]

My system is about $10k retail. I'm just as bored reading about $200 bookshelf speakers as well as the $40k behemoths. I always like to read about innovative products/new approaches to old problems and gear in the $1000-$4000 range.

[Grant]

What I don't get are complaints that you don't review gear thtat's expensive enough.:wtf: My gear cost me about $2000 when it was purchased.