What is the most important component to consider while building a new system?

Not referring to you (OHM)

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There isn't a thing on earth that really bothers me until I went to the Social Security office this morning. The Feds still have all their offices shut down. EXEPT for new SS numbers. GUESS WHO was getting those appointments. Not a baby in the bunch..

NOT ONE as they turn every flippin person who showed up AWAY and instructed everyone to send any information IN, THEY would sort it out..
via MAIL..

I almost went into riot mode. GD Lazy SOBs..
YOUR tax dollars NOT working but collecting a pay check. IF I didn't understand Spanish pretty well I couldn't have understood the person I spoke to, as they poked their head out the door with an Vet Marine guard, NO CRAP, HTG. We spoke in Spanish it was just easier.

I'm an American Irish kid. ONE year they have not fixed my payments.. Thank GOD I don't have to depend on the money.. BUT it's MINE.. PERIOD.. 

To bad you're gonna hear it.. Crap I don't drink.. Maybe I should start..
WE have a broken lazy LAZY SS system.   BTW YOUR SS info is being hacked by every nitwit in the world, because of the SS web site.. It has one function. To put your information for the world to hack.. It has ZERO functions otherwise.

You cannot leave an Email, make an appointment only READ the information being hacked by everyone else on earth.
NOW you know where your information is going FOR REAL...

WTF gonna erase it anyways.. :-)

Turn the FU(#in' music UP.. Geez..

I would be more interested to hear about changes to the OP system to effect this experiential change in opinion…. Pretty light on before and after….details

I vote speakers too because it is the most personal choice. You may find only 1 pair of speakers suitable for you. Nothing to do with % of budget. First get speakers you like then there should be a good choice of amps known to work well with it. Once a good partnership is installed you can keep it for 10+ years. DAC and source are much easier to figure out.

Money is the most important part of a system.

Amp + speakers + room = a "system within a system". These three need to work together well.  Not saying these are the most important individually, but imo their synergy is. 

Duke