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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
gonglee3
289 posts
 
In 1978, my father bought me pioneer system. At least it came with saperate pre and power amp, cassette, turntable, tuner, and big speakers.

I thought it was the greatest thing ever - in my memory, I can't beat that sensation I had even with today's system for some reason - perhaps it's my age with a bit of hearing loss now, or my enthusiasm for new music back then.

I still have the amps and they still function !

I think buying all in one big system on craiglist for $100 is a good way to start on this exciting hobby - instead of getting a boombox for the price.
markmendenhall
173 posts
 
1973 - catalog ordered from some place in San Luis Obispo, CA - Dual 1218 tt, Pickering cartridge, Harman Kardon (530 ?)receiver, Infinity 1001 two way loudspeakers. First set of separates which replaced a Sony bookshelf system into which I inserted a pair of KLH 2 way monitors. Now that I think of it, the sale of my KLH speakers to make room for the Infinitys was my first sale of used gear. Its been a hilly ride ever since!
onemalt
35 posts
 
I guess my first real system was in 1977 or 78 and consisted of a Realistic STA-2000 receiver, a pair of Mach 1 speakers and a totally forgettable Rat Shack cassette player (although it was my first with Dolby). I soon added a Technics SL-1900 TT. Within a couple of years, the receiver and cassette deck were replaced with a Yamaha CA-810 & CT-810 combo and a Pioneer CTF-900.
bhodge
12 posts
 
Looking back, I really fell in love with music during this time. Its about 1972 I am a 15 year old trumpet player/vocalist attemding USDAN Center for the Performing Arts during my summer. I begged my dad for a stereo system for the previous three years. I also wanted a car (Camaro SS) and a honda dirt bike. Those two things never happened.
The stereo system did. Thats just one of many fond memories of my dad. One of the other memories I have of my dad was seeing the look of awe on his face when I played one of his and my moms Sam Cooke albums on this system. (After a DiscWasher and "Last" preservation treatment) That was followed by Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, and Ray Charles among many others.

Dual 1249Q with Shure cartridge
Bose 501 Speakers
Sansui AU7700 Intergrated Amp
Sansui TU7700 Tuner
Sansui Dolby Tape Deck Auto Reverse and program play.

I wish I still had them. My Dad too.

steve42307
16 posts
 
Pioneer SX-838 receiver, Pioneer Pl-55x turntable with a Stanton 681EEE cartridge, and JBL L-100 Speakers. All for $1219 in 1975. My dad thought I was nuts!
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