If you match a top level preamp with a lower level amp, you will reveal all the weak points of the amp. If you match a top level amp with a lower level preamp, you will never hear the top performance of your amp.
So I agree they are equally important because the whole point of high end audio is trying to eliminate the weakest link.
So I agree they are equally important because the whole point of high end audio is trying to eliminate the weakest link.