That was my experience. I had decent speakers to start with . Also , Hun, you will note in my post that I said 'in my experience'. Thanks Gonk. I wish everyone was as tactful as you are.

I would put speakers as the #1 factor in sound. The preamp would probably be second and after all the sources the amp would be a distant last, or maybe just above cables.

Granted it may not always be easy to distinguish the various strenghts and weakness of a system . But if there is a weak link in the chain you are probably going to know it .

Some will reveal themselves more readily than others . If the spks. are crap it is easy to identify them as such . Where as cables may cause more of a headache .

The purpose being that one component compliments the other . If they do not do each other justice then you are not getting the absolute best possible sound you could be getting regardless .

My opinion of the order of importance for decent audio reproduction:

1. ROOM
2. Speakers & positioning
3. Source
4. Preamp
5. Amplifier
6. Cabling
7. Mains power (dedicated line, conditioner, etc.)