I think everything is important. In my system, the least expensive component is my Revel M106 speakers. Computer modeling, material advances, and inexpensive overseas manufacturing has dropped the price of quality speakers compared to high end electronics.
My DAC, Pre, amp, and Sub all cost over $2k each, and the system sounds phenomenal to me. Minor changes upstream are very obvious. If I change 1 of the 3 sets of tubes in the preamp, it's noticable. If my amp isn't warmed up, it's noticable. If Tidal turns my chromecast volume down a single notch, I can hear the compression.
I think people are putting WAY too much importance on the speakers, because you can get terrific speakers for $1500 or less, that use the same drivers as $5000 speakers.
My DAC, Pre, amp, and Sub all cost over $2k each, and the system sounds phenomenal to me. Minor changes upstream are very obvious. If I change 1 of the 3 sets of tubes in the preamp, it's noticable. If my amp isn't warmed up, it's noticable. If Tidal turns my chromecast volume down a single notch, I can hear the compression.
I think people are putting WAY too much importance on the speakers, because you can get terrific speakers for $1500 or less, that use the same drivers as $5000 speakers.