well, I already voted once: speakers first.
But then I reconsidered this thread and the OP original question.
Most ppl are responding, e.g, "I WOULD do this first .... " versus "I DID this first ...." .
IOWs: theory vs reality. I'm not in the market for amps or speakers. I have 4 pair of speakers and 4 amps, 2 preamps that I am comparing to each other with different electronics: trying all permutations to compare. I enjoy this process, it is "fun" to me, tho may not be to others.
My point is that if I were in the position of choosing speaker vs amp first, I wouldn't do either per se. I would do what I have already done: collect a few amps and speakers to compare rather than put all my eggs in one basket and buy "speakers first, then amp" or "amp first, then speakers". This method works for me.
thinking back, I came to my present position by compiling my top 5-10 speakers I am interested in, irrespective of amp. Then make a list of 5-10 amps, irrespective of speakers. Then cross-match electronics, tube-vs SS vs class D, impedance, etc with the electronic/power requirements of the speaker. that will give a short list of amp-speaker pairings that would theoretically work together.
Then review the 'short list" for realistic considerations: the pairings may look good on paper, may seem good, but may not fly in reality. Like me, you might think to yourself, " I really think these speakers are the ones, but I'm not sure if amp A/B/C will produce the best sound ... also depending on the Preamp.
I'm just sharing how I have, over the last10 years, learned to mix and match gear, and avoid the pitfalls of "there is only one combo out there for me and my room". there are oodles of combos that will sound good in your room, but only A vs B vs C, etc comparisons will reveal the best sound your ear.
But then I reconsidered this thread and the OP original question.
Most ppl are responding, e.g, "I WOULD do this first .... " versus "I DID this first ...." .
IOWs: theory vs reality. I'm not in the market for amps or speakers. I have 4 pair of speakers and 4 amps, 2 preamps that I am comparing to each other with different electronics: trying all permutations to compare. I enjoy this process, it is "fun" to me, tho may not be to others.
My point is that if I were in the position of choosing speaker vs amp first, I wouldn't do either per se. I would do what I have already done: collect a few amps and speakers to compare rather than put all my eggs in one basket and buy "speakers first, then amp" or "amp first, then speakers". This method works for me.
thinking back, I came to my present position by compiling my top 5-10 speakers I am interested in, irrespective of amp. Then make a list of 5-10 amps, irrespective of speakers. Then cross-match electronics, tube-vs SS vs class D, impedance, etc with the electronic/power requirements of the speaker. that will give a short list of amp-speaker pairings that would theoretically work together.
Then review the 'short list" for realistic considerations: the pairings may look good on paper, may seem good, but may not fly in reality. Like me, you might think to yourself, " I really think these speakers are the ones, but I'm not sure if amp A/B/C will produce the best sound ... also depending on the Preamp.
I'm just sharing how I have, over the last10 years, learned to mix and match gear, and avoid the pitfalls of "there is only one combo out there for me and my room". there are oodles of combos that will sound good in your room, but only A vs B vs C, etc comparisons will reveal the best sound your ear.