I would have to agree, more with the 15-30% than, with the posts above. I believe that pre-amp, if separate, should be the component, to build your system around.
Perentage system $$ for speakers
While reading various posts in the past, I have read comments where some believe that the speakers should only be about 15% of the total system cost where other believe they should be the main focus. I am not looking for a right or wrong answer in this, I am just curious as to the thoughts of others on this topic.