@immatthewj +1 ( emphasis added);
Two factors present themselves IMO in this thread where arbitrary and highly variable amp budgets are relegated to a distinct secondary notion.
(1) To push that it’s some kind of a 100-year old accepted rule to choose your expensive speakers in isolation always first; and then build around them where the electronics are relegated to a secondary highly variable afterthought or budget sensitive consequence:
(a) that notion is hyperbole at best, and,
(b) it is no assurance of a pathway to the Yellow Brick Road to Audio Oz, But a full system budget already planned upfront is.
”Price is what you pay. Value is what you get” - Warren Buffett
(2) Rather, a full high-end system components budget allocation philosophy is clear. And that also includes where affordable speakers with good amplification (and source) make more sense than an expensive speaker with a comparatively cheap amp and source.