Setup vs. Amp/Preamp choice?


Which do you value more?

I've read endless questions re: which amp, preamp,or integrated is best with which speakers. I believe most of that discussion is nonsense for most equipment. True, there are certain electrical synergies between amps and speakers that are important, and preamps certainly sound different. But the absolutely critical factors in determining what a system will sound like are: 1. your own likes and dislikes and 2. setup. I have heard great gear sound terrible and average gear sound fantastic - it really depends on how things were set up in a particular listening room. I've heard people describe a particular integrated amp as having as small soundstage - In my room and with my speakers, the soundstage was vast. I've heard people describe the sound of certain gear as shrill or unlistenable - Well perhaps it is in their setup, but what does that tell me about how it will sound in my room?

Many of you who ask for advice about gear place inordinate value on subjective opinions of individuals with varying tastes, hearing ability, prejudices, rooms and setups. That is completely absurd: The only way to judge how a piece of equipment will sound is to test it in your room after proper setup. And small changes in speaker placement can make a huge difference. So stop running around like a bunch of maniacs who have to switch equipment every few months in search of nirvana, and concentrate on setting up your system properly. That's where the greatest reward is (for everyone except dealers).

Do you agree?
msratty
Relax, people. I'm not denying anyone's right to enjoy their "hobby." I'm not even denying you your right to obsess over electronic circuits. To each his own.

My point is that many of you have turned this "hobby" into a quasi-religious quest. "If only I can get the right kind of gear together, I will have attained perfect sound and I will be truly happy." Some of the posts on this thread only serve to reinforce my point - many of you just need to calm down and listen to the music. The gear you've got is already more than good enough by any reasonable measure.

Anyone who's ever been to a concert has experienced something quite different than the experience one has listening to reproduced music. Of course, you all recognize that as a truism. Then exactly what is it that you're striving for? If it is happiness - a wise man once said that happiness is the state of being satisfied with what you have.

As for my offending some of you, if you're that thin-skinned what can I say? In my naivete, I truly did not realize that my words were worthy of so much attention and analysis.
Msratty, first you insult us, then your tell us to relax. You've got a lot of nerve.
"[. . .] The gear you've got is already more than good enough by any reasonable measure."

Not bad. . . from merely messianic, now graduating to fully omniscient. . . Rather impressive feat really.

Whilst totally relaxed,

G.