Why did you lean one way or the other

Warm up and maintanence is component dependent. My current tube system requires no warm up and only requires a tube change every 3,000 hours. So it is somewhat a question of your definition of how much is too much. 

The only reason I mention this is because I was put off by this reputation... but did not understand in absolute terms what this meant.  

I started with SS integrated revceivers, then went to SS A/B separates, always upgrading for more power and headroom.  Finally, went to tube monoblocks with tube preamp and that gave me the sweet sound and full bass I love.  I have learned to build my system from the ear back...  So, first is speakers, then amps, then preamp, then source.  Cables in the same order.  This will insure that you start with a sound you like, and it should only gets better as you progress towards the source material.  The closer in order the component is to your ear, the more you should not compromise on it...  So, speakers should always be the number one investment, then, amps to match the speaker, and so forth. 

@hjdca on going backwards….

l have never heard of anyone ever doing this.

In the 60s it was considered that the speakers defined the hi-fi stereo system, and took the lions share of the budget. This idea was questioned in the 70s when better turntables altered that perception. The argument then changed to source priority first. Speakers no matter what price paid can replicate what has not been extracted (and is missing) from the source.

Perhaps you should start a discussion yourself and see if you are not alone with your “ear back” theory.

@mylogic  - thanks so much,  very good points.  I will try to explain, but, of course, I am no expert, and what you said makes perfect sense to me.  

I should have added that I am "old school" and always listen to my music loud, and I have always found that speakers ultimately define the detail capability of the compete system.  They all sound different, and some are more articulate than others.  In my opinion, Speakers make the most difference in the sound of a stereo system.  This is not only because of the speakers themselves, but, also on how they sound in the room. Then, if the amps match the speakers correctly, then, the speakers will sound as intended by the manufacturer - assuming they are in the appropriate room.  In my opinion, going backward from there, or even Tube vs SS for the amps is more subtle, and it depends on the "ear" of the listener.  For example, I love the sound of the MC275 monoblock tubes in my system, but, I have also swapped in a high power SS amp, and that sound was also great, but, not what I preferred.  I liked the highend sweatness, harmonics, and fuller, fatter bass of the Tube amps.  I liked the way it filled the room and was less fatiguing to the ear at loud volumes.  Regarding, Pre-amps, sources - turntable, Digital, streaming, DACs, etc... in my opinion, the technology is good at almost all appropriate audiophile price levels.  So, depending on your acoustic expertise, the differences may not enough to warrant higher investments.  One thing, I will say, because I have done it, is that -- If you have your speakers and amps set up like you want them, and then, you upgrade your whole front end - from preamp to source, whether digital or analog - all at once, you will hear the upgrade.  In addition, I have also updated all my cables all at once - speakers all the way to source components, and I heard the upgrade.  So, for me the story is still the same, all weak links must be addressed to achieve the ultimate goal.  It is only a question of which "weak link" makes the most difference...  lol..