While there are exceptions of course, for a given level of quality there will tend to be at least a loose correlation between the cost of a speaker on the one hand, and the deep bass extension and the maximum volume it can provide with reasonably low distortion, on the other hand. Obviously different listeners will have different preferences and requirements in those regards.
Also, while it is true that the downstream components cannot correct for the shortcomings of the source, it is also true that the source cannot correct for the shortcomings of the downstream components. And a philosophy that the source is the most important part of a system as a result of being first in the chain, and therefore warrants the greatest investment, ignores both the degree to which different parts of the chain may adversely affect the sound (as the saying goes, "a chain is as strong as its weakest link"), and the degree to which the cost and sonic performance provided by the various parts of a system may (or may not be) correlated.
Also, the efficiency of whatever speaker is chosen will of course affect how much power the amplifier must be capable of providing. And for a given level of amplifier quality, and a given amplifier topology, more watts will often mean more $.
Those are among the reasons why IMO simplistic formulas for how system cost should be allocated among its various parts are pretty much worthless. It depends on the specific components that are being considered, and on the preferences and requirements of the specific listener.
Regards,
-- Al
Also, while it is true that the downstream components cannot correct for the shortcomings of the source, it is also true that the source cannot correct for the shortcomings of the downstream components. And a philosophy that the source is the most important part of a system as a result of being first in the chain, and therefore warrants the greatest investment, ignores both the degree to which different parts of the chain may adversely affect the sound (as the saying goes, "a chain is as strong as its weakest link"), and the degree to which the cost and sonic performance provided by the various parts of a system may (or may not be) correlated.
Also, the efficiency of whatever speaker is chosen will of course affect how much power the amplifier must be capable of providing. And for a given level of amplifier quality, and a given amplifier topology, more watts will often mean more $.
Those are among the reasons why IMO simplistic formulas for how system cost should be allocated among its various parts are pretty much worthless. It depends on the specific components that are being considered, and on the preferences and requirements of the specific listener.
Regards,
-- Al