@audiotroy Good Post. Generally, I agree with your position. However, this is a hobby driven by personal preference to meet very personal goals. I believe limiting "intelligent pairings" mostly to relative price parity can be, well limiting. Since your post is mostly about 'price' I'll respond to that aspect.
I will use myself as an example. As you personally know, I have the T+A PA 3100 HV driving the Tekton SEs. Most would consider the spend on the T+A vs the Tekton SE to be a mismatch. It's the very opposite for me. When I add the cost of cabling I've settled on, into the mix, the percent outlay towards speakers shrinks even more.
Many may come to the conclusion that I should spend more on speakers and less on amplification and cabling. I've turned the 'typical' recommendation upside down. For this, I am musically richer and satisfied. That's me. Others will choose differently.
Currently one of the preamps I'm considering for a new system is inexpensive, a 'dog' in the looks department (btw, I love Canis lupus familiaris), and is a generally limited product. If I go forward with it, most would consider it a mismatch on price with respect to the speakers I'm considering and the amp I have chosen.
In the end, I'm looking for optimal synergies that give me the results I am looking for. General rules are good for guidance but they should guide, not decide.
As both an audiophile and a retailer we have always tried to recommend intelligent pairings your thoughts?
I will use myself as an example. As you personally know, I have the T+A PA 3100 HV driving the Tekton SEs. Most would consider the spend on the T+A vs the Tekton SE to be a mismatch. It's the very opposite for me. When I add the cost of cabling I've settled on, into the mix, the percent outlay towards speakers shrinks even more.
Many may come to the conclusion that I should spend more on speakers and less on amplification and cabling. I've turned the 'typical' recommendation upside down. For this, I am musically richer and satisfied. That's me. Others will choose differently.
Currently one of the preamps I'm considering for a new system is inexpensive, a 'dog' in the looks department (btw, I love Canis lupus familiaris), and is a generally limited product. If I go forward with it, most would consider it a mismatch on price with respect to the speakers I'm considering and the amp I have chosen.
In the end, I'm looking for optimal synergies that give me the results I am looking for. General rules are good for guidance but they should guide, not decide.