Source or speaker

Build your system around speakers that knock you out.

Then find an amp that matches the speakers.

Everything else will fall into place.

I thought the same.
Speakers first then amp to match,
then preamp that matches amp.
The source should be as good as possible regardless what is downstream.
I am thinking that an excellent source will work with all systems, speakers amps and pre's is this true????

Good point. I agree with picking the speaker first and then adding synergistic components. However, in allocating the budget, I like 20% for each major piece in a base-line system.

Dave

In my setup my tt, table arm and cartridge is 2 1/2 times as much as the speakers, but with the phono stage its close to three times. My pre and power amps are close to the same price as speakers. Of course it was all found here on gon, but I'm using retail prices.
We are lucky to have this site otherwise I would have half the system.
My intention is to take it to the highest level, but at this point I wouldn't know where to start any changes? I am afraid I'll mess things up.
I probably will get another arm to make it a two arm table, and then play with cartridges. Also preamps and power amps I can swap and see what happens. But I will not sell anything off unless I find the sound better!
Any suggestions????????