What Is Most Important?

One other thing I think is important is to realize not all "audiophiles" have the same goals for their sonic hobby and one should define what they want out of the hobby for themselves and realize not all will agree with that. 

If you have a friend who is a good musician or access to a good musician, have them come and play their instrument for you in your listening room. I was surprised at the power of real.

The room. By a mile. Not even close. 

Other things can affect the sound but you can actually see them working. You can turn a dial, move a speaker or change a cable

But you can't see a room working. So it is often held in less regard. 

My NAD preamp, old Carver Amp and Salk Songtowers edge out my Don Sachs Preamp, Primaluna Evo amp and Tannoy Turnberry...at much less than half the price. Old house had a hard plaster acoustic ceiling and better dimensions. New room is not bad but it took a lit of work to get it to where it is. And much more to do. 

Sandthemall got it!

Happiness comes from within oneself.  The external stimuli is only the spark, not the flame.  The birds of fire circle above the inner mounting flame hoping to catch glimpses of the visions of the emerald beyond hoping not to fall between nothingness and eternity.

John McLauglin/Mahavishnu have spoken.