What was your first 'hi-end' system?

By 1982 I'd worked my way into Klipsch Heresy pro monitors, Halfler DH200 power, RGR Model 4-1 pre-amp, Marcoff PPA-2 pre-pre amp, Rega Planar 2 turntable, Dynavector Karat 23RS, TEAC A3440 reel-to-reel, Tandberg TCD440A cassette, DBX 224 Type 2 noise reduction system, DBX 3BX Series Two dynamic range expander, MXR 15 band stereo equalizer, assorted Vampire Wire and Monster Cable ICs. Still have the RGR, Tandberg and Vampire Wire. The RGR is stored and needs a lot of work, but the TCD440A and VW still sound as good as the day I brought them home.

When I turned OFF Dolby C on my 3 head cassette deck.

Kenwood LO7C, Gas Grandson of Ampzilla, Kenwood, KD600 table with Audio Technica arm, Technics SB7070.
I've had worst since....

Denon PMA 720, bought new in 1990 from Purdue Audio in Montclair, NJ, some kind of really (in it's day) heavy and expensive Kenwood CD player, and Advent Heritage speakers. I still have the amplifier. It's had some switches replaced, but otherwise it's been bullet proof and is still doing daily duty in my bedroom. Occasionally when something is out for repair I'll stick it in my main system and I'm always amazed at how good this 24 year old, $350 amp sounds.

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Noromance...you're bringing back nightmares. Cassette decks and Dolby noise reduction...such despicable devices.
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