That's a false dichotmomy Fmpnd, because no one is going to pair no-fi speakers with high-end source or no-fi source with high-end speakers. So, construing the question to assume decent hi-fi components all through the system, whether budget or expensive, would you rather listen to a NAD cd player through Eidolons or an Accuphase cd player through PSB mini-speakers?
I've made the weakest link argument before, since speakers are the least accurate component in a hi-fi system, and all speakers are colored in one way or another. But, that said, there are a lot of inexpensive to moderately priced speakers that are quite decent.
The biggest changes in sound for me, from mid-fi to hi-fi came with changes in amplifiers and cd players.
As much as I love my Harbeths, I have to disagree with my friend Charlie and say source, but amp is a close second.
I've made the weakest link argument before, since speakers are the least accurate component in a hi-fi system, and all speakers are colored in one way or another. But, that said, there are a lot of inexpensive to moderately priced speakers that are quite decent.
The biggest changes in sound for me, from mid-fi to hi-fi came with changes in amplifiers and cd players.
As much as I love my Harbeths, I have to disagree with my friend Charlie and say source, but amp is a close second.