Most important component??

My opinion about the components is simple.
System is like a window to a beautiful outdoor scenary.
My window is constructed with 4 layers of glass.
All layers better be transparent or image will get blurry.


Countdown:
5)Accessories, tweaks, cables, voodoo BS.
4)$$$Limits
3)Speakers that match your taste, budget,
room and rest of your equipment
2)Your listening space, acoustics, component sinergy, proper system setup and calibration
1)You.

Surprised????
I hope not. Without your knowlage, experience and most important passion for music all of the above would mean very,very little.

You need roots to get the fruits.

Duke: Thanks for the comments (compliments), but the monitors you heard in that room were Talon Hawks--not Avalons. At the time you heard them I had no idea we would buy the company--I just thought they were the best suited speaker for the small space I had to work in.

I don't have any room treatments but my room is a relatively small carpeted family room crammed with furniture and stuff; the opposite of ideal.

But Duke, that's an awesome allegory.

I agree....THE RECORDING!

I disagree, the recording should be.......... LAST.