How much does power amplifier really matter comparing to other hi-fi components?

I mean Thanks to kennyc .

@djones51 : Agree. 

Spend most on speakers, speakers make the greatest difference IMO. Amps have ruler flat responses and almost immeasurably low distortion. 

 If your power amp has volume controls, try as an experiment by-passing your pre-amp. Plugging in for example your CD output into your power amp, with your power amp turned down - of course). See what difference your pre-amp makes.

Source is most important. The sound can only degrade from there as you go through the signal chain. So turntable (arm/cartridge/phono stage/table), integrated amp (keep as many interconnects out of the chain as possible), speakers. Of course you want to get speakers you like and ensure the amp has the power to get the most out of them, but this is not the typical advice you get from dealers as the margins are higher typically with speakers than the other parts.

And don't forget cables, isolation treatment if necessary, and room placement.

It is impossible to put precise percentages in each area, but be logical. If you have a $10K budget, don't spend $8K on a turntable unless you are planning on upgrading the other stuff down the line. Have an end goal in mind, and then if you are like a lot of Goners, the end goal never stays the same. 

cclee2022     If you are looking for a great pairing for the XT2 I would highly recommend the Lumin X1 and  AMP. I had this combo with the XT1, TD1.2 and TD3.2's. Outstanding synergy..