Where do I start-amp or speakers ?


While in the midst of downsizing I sold all my gear: Krell monos, Thiel CS6’s, Thiel 2.4’s, EAD Powermaster 2000, Thiel MCS1, etc.
I am now left with a headphone system based on the entry level Schitt headphone amp, Freya preamp,& a very nice Vinyl NIrvana Thorens 125 turntable,
So how’s that working out for you, you ask? Not so well. I need speakers & amp!
 I went from 2900 sq ft. To 1600 sq ft; a 25x24 room to an 18 x 16 room (high 20-24 ft cathedral ceiling, though, at least.)
I’m now on the way to build a new system , one component at a time; Ceiling is 4K per unit. Every time I see a nice amp, then I see a fine pair of speakers. Back and forth. Do I start with an amp or with speakers? Input, input........
michaeljbrown
This is now an old post, but to answer the question Why did I sell this High end system? A: No longer enough room; I went from 2900 sq fit and a 20x 20 room to a 1600 sq ft “Garden Home” (hah! Find me a garden in Midland Texas!); I have also acquired a 1600 sq ft adobe & stone home in Taos, NM. So I have similar sq ft but in two houses!
michaeljbrownI look forward to your return to Thiel Audio and the Thiel Owners thread here.
Happy Listening!
I have a 12 x 15 room and started with Maggie 1.7 a sub and Parasound Hint wonderful sounding system.  Total budget under $4 k on the used market.
Speakers vary a hell of a lot more than amps do. That's the biggest decision. If the speakers just don't do what you want no amp is going to make them do the impossible. It doesn't make sense to me to discount a vast swath of speakers because you have a hang up on a gain device that SHOULD be neutral; sounding like no particular gain device.