Your First System


This should be good!!! Most of us have been in this expensive hobby for years now and have worked our way up to components we only dreamed of. I want to know what was your first system of separate components going back as far as you can remember. My first consisted of a Pioneer SX-680 receiver, a Technics SLD-1 turntable (I think that's the right model #), a Sharp tapedeck, and KLH floorstanding speakers. I was 16 at the time and thought I was the biggest badass on the block. Now, 20+ years later I have a ML 334, Meridian 507 CD, CJ PV10A, Canton Ergo 900 speakers, and a Transparent Power Isolator 4. I'm in the process of upgrading to a ML 390. It goes without saying the IC's and speaker cables are top notch as well. I know my system is WAAAYYYYY down the foodchain compared to what I've seen here but It would be interesting to see what everyone started out with.
pcook15
I bought my first system in 1975. A Marantz 2275 receiver, Marantz 6300 turntable with a Stanton 681EEE cartridge, and JBL 4311 speakers - I loved that system. I had a Technics DD turntable and Technics speakers before that, but only for a month or so, so I don't really count them - even then I could hear differences in gear, and sold them because they were fatiguing to listen to.
I forget the model numbers. It was a Heathkit preamp,a Crown amp(used),a pair of Heathkit four ohm three ways,a Dual turntable with a Shure cartridge,and Sennheiser cans.

Fresh out of school with plastic burning a hole in my pocket,I made a mistake with the speakers and the amp,both of which were obese for the listening room.
November 1969. Purchased from Lafayette Radio in Newark, NJ

Lafayette LR-500B receiver
Garrard 40B record changer
Pickering V15/ACE 400 cartridge
KLH 22A speakers
1975:

SAE Mark 1 Pre-amp
SAE IVDM Amp
Onkyo 4055 Tuner
BIC 980 TT with Micro Acoustics cart.
SoundCraftsman Equalizer
ESS Heil AMT 1a Bookshelf speakers
1971:
Kenwood Receiver (17 w/channel - don't recall the model #),
Garrard changer, (don't recall the model, nor the cartridge)
Warfedale W40 Speakers (still have them).