"01-12-15: Phd
I would put in a vote for buying speakers first since they will lay the foundation for your system and because you are working within cost restraints (which many are) buy efficient speakers so you don't have to invest in expensive amplification."
I disagree. You can get yourself into trouble doing it that way. I have a pair of Wilson speakers that are very efficient and if you don't use high quality amplification, they sound like crap. Not only that, with efficient speakers, its very easy to get noise. If you don't match the speakers very carefully with regards to gain and overall build quality, you can get a nasty hiss. For a beginner, I would avoid those types of components.
"01-12-15: Schubert
Everyone always seems to say speakers first, I'd rather listen to a $500 pr of used speakers with a $ 2,000 good integrated Hegel or Yamaha amp than vice-versa. Any day."
You still have to take things on a case by case basis and match your components, but that's a very good strategy. Its a much safer way to go for best results.
