If you measure distortion in a contemporary music reproduction system on a per component basis, speakers contribute orders of magnitude greater distortion than any other component. At least in solid state and ultralinear tube systems. We are talking single digit distortion percentage figures versus 0.000025%. So it’s not even a question for me.
1. choose the speakers
2. place the speakers (you can do this with math and geometry, there is a right spot)
3. fix the room
4. fix the speakers
5. choose a signal standard (I favor +4 dBU but if you like -10 dBV you do you)
6. choose your components
7. fix your gain staging (if you have components that will let you do that)
8. now you are ready to hear various source components on a level playing field
The listeners chasing euphonic distortion with low power amps and very sensitive speakers 105 dB/W or more!) are playing in an entirely different sport and may have different rules entirely.