What makes you build a system around an amplifier?

OK, I'm sure I'll be brow-beaten for this...

First of all, the older I get, the more I'm convinced that the better systems are a "synergy" of the various component parts, including cables.  Having said that, if I had to select between amps and speakers being the thing I'd build a system around, my vote would be for the speaker.

When I last tormented myself shopping for speakers, I was struck by how the McIntosh MC452 didn't seem to be "picky" about the speakers it was driving.  So.....here comes the "brow beaten" part, I suspect I'll have my MC452 for a long time!

Last night I attended a local audio event and auditioned a pair of fairly expensive speakers from a well-respected manufacturer, which sounded really "grainy" and not at all pleasing to my ears.
So......I think I'd most agree with those who would select the speakers and work back from them.

bdp24,
I can't say what the "cause" was for the "grainy" sound.  The factory rep was proudly describing the preamp/power amp combination driving those speakers.  He did say that he thought the speakers were "unforgiving".  I have found some DACs produce a somewhat "dry" sound, but IMO the speakers sounded "grainy" too reproducing vinyl as well as digital.