What Is Most Important?

thats simple- the sound!  otherwise whats the point to all of it, if not to reproduce the best sound?

@holmz 

as a rule, music leading to the devil is listened to in youth (there are no brains, life experience, hormones and biology are boiling) ...
despite the fact that the majority gradually grow up and get on a more correct track, the problem is that the "spine of the soul and personality" is formed in childhood and adolescence - then there is only a quantitative accumulation of information arrays, but the roots - the roots affect all life! - you can forever remain "humpbacked" ...
What happens to such people? - in general, nothing good ... their life is poor, there is no taste, a good woman will not look at them, they are dangerous to others, they get sick more often ...
after death? ...
Spark - strives for the sky in a bold flight; and an insignificant fly - attracts to sewage.

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!