What is proper ratio of money spent on amp/preamp/integrated vs speakers? 1:1?

Like @pokey77 said it’s about synergy. But yes its also stupid IMO to drive Magicos with a Best Buy receiver per @mjmcubfn. It’s a matter of what budget you have for your system and how can you build it so that it’s all of similar quality so that you don’t run really expensive sources through crummy preamps and amps and not hear how great your source is. Also you want to have speakers to match the quality of your upstream components. You want them to be able to play the quality they are being fed. There needs to be a balance. But IMO cable and power management is very important and you (if it was me, having proved it to myself) will want to spend some of the budget on quality power conditioning and the like, cables and interconnects. It make a difference and will enable you to hear the best that your system has to give. 

Much depends upon your speaker choice.  Efficient speakers can get by with less power and thus can typically require fewer dollars spent on amplification.

That said, you can get into expensive tube amps, etc with highly efficient speakers.

Many think choosing the speaker for you should then drive the amp search.  That was my path.  My 3.6 Maggies truly opened up with a pair of substantial moni block amps.

There is no secret formula or magic bean, just your ears, wallet, research and an open mind about the sound you seek.  

Good luck in your search!!

I have an ARCAM AVR550 connected to a pair of Paradigm Prestige 85F towers.  Where should I spend my money to take my sound levels to the next level?  Add a 5 channel Parasound amplifier that can output 180 watts per channel with 67 amps or buy more expensive speakers.  If I were to buy new speakers what would you suggest buying.  So far, for $6,000/pair I am yet to find anything that sounds better than the SALK Song3 Encores.  Jim Salk sells direct so he can put expensive drivers in his cabinets.  Heard a pair of $60,000 speakers at RMAF and the Salk's completely blew them away.  If anyone has not heard them be prepared to be completely blown away.  Bet they would win an blind listening test compared to speakers costing at least $20,000.  For some reason, I have not heard better amplifiers than Parasound for the money.  Sure others will disagree, but that is why I participate with this group because you are a lot more knowledgeable than I am.  I love you guys.

Around 5:1 Speakers to Amp