I don't think there are any "rules". During the '80s the UK HiFi mags were mad keen on the "front end first" paradigm, going so far as to recommend a Sondek-Ittok, moving coil, Naim amp with tiny Linn Kans. The US mags at the time concentrated more on the amps and speakers, combining great speakers with somewhat less sophisticated front ends. Different strokes.
If you can tolerate a lack of deep bass, you can get some very nice sounding speakers for modest amounts of money, and they will shine on a great front-end + amp combination. Getting those lower octaves costs a lot, and the more you probe the bottom end, the better power amps you need to control the low frequencies.
If you are starting off, I believe you will get more enjoyment from cheaper speakers mated to a good source and amp, than having great speakers hooked up to a budget source. Plus your upgrade path is better.
I can listen around the flaws of modest speakers, but the sound of cheap electronics really bugs me.
Regards,
Geoff
If you can tolerate a lack of deep bass, you can get some very nice sounding speakers for modest amounts of money, and they will shine on a great front-end + amp combination. Getting those lower octaves costs a lot, and the more you probe the bottom end, the better power amps you need to control the low frequencies.
If you are starting off, I believe you will get more enjoyment from cheaper speakers mated to a good source and amp, than having great speakers hooked up to a budget source. Plus your upgrade path is better.
I can listen around the flaws of modest speakers, but the sound of cheap electronics really bugs me.
Regards,
Geoff