This is a philosophical question. I'm curious about the thought process of
the hard core objectivist regarding this crazy hobby of ours. I am being
completely sincere and would appreciate thoughtful replies.

The extreme end of the objectivist position dicates that if an audible
difference can not be measured in an component, that it most likely does not
exist.

For example, we know that we can not measure differences that would account
for audible improvements in several things that people claim to be able to
hear dramatic differences in.

The three primary categories of component that measure similar within each
category include:

CD Players
Amplifiers (besides obvious power handling differences)
Cables

That would mean that things that make a difference a

Speakers
Room Acoustics / Interactions
Preamp
Crossovers

Does that mean that the logical move for a beginner would be to buy a
competent yet economical CD player and Amp with stock cables, while
investing the majority of their budget in speakers, room treatments and the
preamp?

Thanks!