For me there is no singular most "important" component. Rather, there are important choices in the development of a system.
In no special order, type of speaker, i.e. planar, box speaker, K-horn, etc. The choice here will often lead to amplifier choice for a variety of well documented reasons.
Then there are source choices to be made. Are you a vinyl person, or do you stream, perhaps SACD / CDs acquired over tume.
Are you a tube enthusiast, either amplifier or pre amplifier?
Any of these choices could be the most important to you, but perhaps not me. Thus, the fragmented nature of the discourse here.
So I will share my most important choice(s). I am a Maggie fan and that has driven my amplifier choice as well as pre amp. Others will have different first choices, there is mo right or wrong, just individual preference IMHO.
In no special order, type of speaker, i.e. planar, box speaker, K-horn, etc. The choice here will often lead to amplifier choice for a variety of well documented reasons.
Then there are source choices to be made. Are you a vinyl person, or do you stream, perhaps SACD / CDs acquired over tume.
Are you a tube enthusiast, either amplifier or pre amplifier?
Any of these choices could be the most important to you, but perhaps not me. Thus, the fragmented nature of the discourse here.
So I will share my most important choice(s). I am a Maggie fan and that has driven my amplifier choice as well as pre amp. Others will have different first choices, there is mo right or wrong, just individual preference IMHO.