Actually I think your system can still sound Okay with inexpensive speakers, but good speakers will never sound good with cheap (poorer quality) electronics.
I tried to be clear about it in my post, but appearantly was not successful. I have over $30,000 worth of electronics hooked up to $1500.00 speakers and people with much better speakers than mine exclaim about the quality of the sound I get.
My system isn't perfect, but it's not finished either. I have purposely waited till the end of my building process to worry about speakers. The next pair of speakers I buy will be much better than what I have. I really don't think I would have been able to appreciate a truly better speaker till I had my electronics in order first.
Buying speakers first prevents you from matching them to the system. The sound will change every time you replace a piece, so what sounds good today has no bearing on what will sound good when you are finished. Are you going to buy SETs, tubes or SS equipment? If you don't know what you're going to buy you are limited by your speakers. It is much easier to match one componant to your system than to match a whole system to one companant.
You will have to decide on your own which course to follow. Neither will be the perfect choice (if there really is one). I think it is much wiser and ultimately easier to do the speakers last.
The most important aspect though is enjoying the journey.

nrchy January 20, 2003 04:55

Always start with your source. You will never replace at the back end (speakers) what you miss on the front end (CD player,or preferably TT.) Get everything you can from CDs or LPs and then work back towards the speaker. You will always notice the biggest improvement this way.
All things being equal your speakers are the least important componant in the system. Don't misunderstand me as saying speakers are not important, but they should not have as big a priority placed on them as many people indicate. Some people believe you should spend 50% of the total cost of your system on speakers. This is absurd. The same money spent on front-end equipment will reap much greater rewards.
This issue is one of the few times I agree with the founder of Linn products. Start at the source and work back. You will be happiest in the long run using this guideline.
I hope I haven't messed you up too much!

nrchy January 16, 2003 04:26