Upgrade order suggestion preamp vs speakers

What is  your current preamplifier, and Loudspeakers that is the question to compare to ? Also very over looked what is the quality 
of your cables ? From point A to B if it is not quality the signal will not be delivered properly. Also your front end in a sense is your
most important part of the system in some ways ,for it brings the audio signal to the preamp, if not created accurately the signal cannot be fixed upstream .This is why it is important to have no sizable weaks links in the chain. 

On preamplifiers ,I have found as with many audio buyers.
having owned a Audio store for a decade I have a lot of experience with system synergy. A good solid state amp with a Quality Vacuum tube preamp is a excellent match . A little vacuum tube magic it just creates a larger soundstage 
and depth . Leading edge may not be as defined, with vacuum tubes
but sonic realism it brings a lot of . The quality too and type of amplifier all come into play . This is why Audio has so many variables .and can be somewhat costly 
at times , even a turn table an upgraded cartridge $3-5k  is not even considered
top of the line . The older I get the more I look for value .going from a $100k+  system to  a $30k system with some mod- upgrades proves you can get pretty close for a lot less if done right.