Here's why amps can be more important than speaker

No, the reason amp distortion specs are so low is because it's possible, and because a low number looks good on a spec sheet. I suspect most speakers have just as much higher-order harmonic distortion as typical amps do (along wth a lot more lower-order distortion). Most mainstream amps today have harmonic distortion below audibility thresholds; most speakers do not. Amps are important, but this is not why.

Cdc, Don't be so digital! A real sound from the non-electronic/speaker source will also have it's own harmonic distortions. Bringing it down to approach zero means killing a part of life within that. I stopped looking at specs for THD unless it goes above 0.4%.

Amp is important in the way that it should be properly engineered and its minimal task is not to destroy speakers at its extreams and normal mode and give them always a nice and pleasant drive.
In SS case the heat sinks must be properly matched with transistor parameters, DC offset must be set so that output transistors idle cool(or let's say you can touch them without hurting yourself).
In tube amp case more consideration must be taken in PS reliability and proper noise canceling. Proper output protection should take place especially if tube suddenly blows.
As to the pricing of the speakers v.s. amps, once the minimal task is in effect it can be either more or less costly.

I disagree as well. Ditto Bomarc. I am surprised B&W said something like that - oh well...glad I sold mine!