Which has more bang for buck factor - Speakers or AV Receiver/Amplifier.

[Ryu77]

I work in Audio Visual sales, so I am posting this poll to gauge a wider opinion on this topic from a research point of view.

The question I want to raise is - Dollar for dollar which will give you better performance... Better speakers or a better AV Receiver/Amplifier?

I know there are many variables to what I propose as a seemingly simple question and I am aware that the answer isn't as simple to verbalize as the question (poll) I have submitted.

I would also like to hear the why? What gives precedence to your opinion and what other factors influence the answer given?

My opinion is that spending more on speakers will result in a better dollar for dollar system, but rather than give my reasons for that answer (which could go on for pages), I would rather hear what everyone else has to say. Please no posts like "buy the best of both". I know that is the obvious answer but that would defeat the purpose of this poll. Not everyone has unlimited funds so I would like to use this opportunity to gain insight to the large community here at Blu-ray.com.

I would also be interested in hearing what ratio you think this should be? So, if you said 1.5:1 for speakers, as an example that would indicate spending approx. $3,000 on speakers and $2,000 on an AV Receiver etc.