Importance of Amplifier versus Preamp?

While its true that a well matched amp will go a long way in getting the most out of a pair of speakers, if you don't have a preamp that is equally good, and well matched to the other components, the system will sound like crap regardless. More important, though, is that most people don't realize that the preamp is the problem when they're system doesn't sound right

I see. I always thought it was the amp not driving the speakers properly, and that the amp was introducing its own set of colorations. But, audio is really a set of colorations anyway, imo. There's no such thing as truly neutral, imo. But that's another discussion for another time!

That's true, as well. But for the purposes of this discussion as to how important the preamp is, we're assuming the amp in question is getting the basics right. I can't speak for anyone else, but I made that qualification in my first post. It was actually the first thing I said.

Ok, thanks for your reply. That's true, you made that clear from the get go. I was just relaying my thoughts and experiences. :D

Zd542, I have a hunch that the op has been reading objectivist crap on youtube and other sites. I could certainly be wrong, though.