What is proper ratio of money spent on amp/preamp/integrated vs speakers? 1:1?


Lately I'm finding more of a difference in SQ as a move up the chain in the amp/preamp/integrated market and not so much if I try to upgrade speakers.  Plus, buying and selling (and shipping) speakers is a PITA.  But having just upgraded from Devialet D200 to the dual mono D400 and loving it, it feels odd having $8000 (I'm in the used market almost exclusively) worth of power running $4000 worth of speakers, Dynaudio Contour 30's. 

I'm now wanting to upgrade again to the Expert Pro 440, but then we're taking about $10,000 and even more of a skewed ratio.
What is the proper ratio?  Thoughts?
mjmcubfn
Much depends upon your speaker choice.  Efficient speakers can get by with less power and thus can typically require fewer dollars spent on amplification.

That said, you can get into expensive tube amps, etc with highly efficient speakers.

Many think choosing the speaker for you should then drive the amp search.  That was my path.  My 3.6 Maggies truly opened up with a pair of substantial moni block amps.

There is no secret formula or magic bean, just your ears, wallet, research and an open mind about the sound you seek.  

Good luck in your search!!
I have an ARCAM AVR550 connected to a pair of Paradigm Prestige 85F towers.  Where should I spend my money to take my sound levels to the next level?  Add a 5 channel Parasound amplifier that can output 180 watts per channel with 67 amps or buy more expensive speakers.  If I were to buy new speakers what would you suggest buying.  So far, for $6,000/pair I am yet to find anything that sounds better than the SALK Song3 Encores.  Jim Salk sells direct so he can put expensive drivers in his cabinets.  Heard a pair of $60,000 speakers at RMAF and the Salk's completely blew them away.  If anyone has not heard them be prepared to be completely blown away.  Bet they would win an blind listening test compared to speakers costing at least $20,000.  For some reason, I have not heard better amplifiers than Parasound for the money.  Sure others will disagree, but that is why I participate with this group because you are a lot more knowledgeable than I am.  I love you guys.
As ebm said, it's a tough one. In real world you have to think dollars, in addition to sound quality, unless cost is no or almost no object to you. I'll first take Elizabeth's example. Her speakers are not performing their best, to make it happen she would have to spend much more, probably double the cost of the speakers. My $1500 (20 years ago ) speakers are powered by $1500 ( 20 years ago ) integrated and they are not performing their best, though I recently added $1k active preamp to the chain and that improved the sound. Would I spend $10k on amplification for these speakers ? No. $5k ? I would consider it, but that would probably be the limit.
Point is amplification can and often should cost more than speakers, so if you really like your speakers, go right ahead but not too far.
Salk's Song3 Encores will be available to hear for a $10 admission fee
in Scottsdale Arizona Saturday June 29th 9am-4pm along with 
Spatial, Tekton, LSA, ZU, Sanders, MarkAudio-SOTA, Joseph Audio.