You won't get anything in the way of a clear answer to you question...if you do a search you will find this has come up many times...you may even find someone starting with a power cord...HeHe
I start by listening to speaker systems, some people buy over the web based on research and opinions without first listening...I don't. Once I find a pair of speakers that I'm sure I will be able to setup properly so as to maximize their full potential...I begin to ponder components...amps next.
Choices here are vast and by now I'm able to shrink my choices down to several thousand...after all, speaker choice will dictate amp choices...and of course the room comes into play again...ie, i'll need to reach fairly high SPL's at times.
Next I move on to the preamp...of course I now know my amp choice which dictates types of preamp I'll research...passive designs could shine with the right amp so those may also be on the table...along with solid state and tubes...again, lots to ponder and this is the point were neutral could give way to flavor...my ear, my choice...there is no right or wrong direction here...this is about fun and enjoyment.
Last...Source, just as important as everything else in truth but I usually have and like several...constant state of flux for me so I would never start here...technology moves fast in this area.
Cables: laster than last.
And of course room treatments for those that can at the end.
IMHO,
Dave