RIP Eddie Van Halen. What was your first stereo you rocked to VH on?

Mine was 78 or 79, Pioneer SX1250, JBL WX4311’s and an Optonica granite or marble base turntable must’ve weighed 50 pounds lol I think the whole setup, cables, tax was around $2k back then, more than my car cost. 

I think that his talent would have been better served in a different type of band, but that was the band he created, so that's what we're left with. He was certainly exciting and different at that time.

Started with Van Halen 1 album, Eruption :)  Sansui AU-717 integrated amp, TU-717 tuner, Techniques SLQ2 turntable, ESS AMT Monitor speakers back then.  

Recently watched an updated video of him piecing the three different guitars together to build his Frankenstein to achieve a unique sound. R.I.P. Eddie.  Always fun to watch you play and do it your way!    

@decooney I had a pair of the AMT’s in the early 80’s biggest mistake I ever made getting rid of them. They’re still avail now direct from ESS about $4500 pair. They’re on my bucket list, which is getting shorter every day. 

@joecollege
Very cool! Sold mine back then too.  Heck, I might have even built yours - who knows. I worked at ESS, on the AMT line back then. You can find some used ones too, recondition them. New surrounds, diaphragms in the Heils, some cabinet refinishing and there you go!  Heils are going cheap, add your own woofer and 2-way crossover and cabinet too.  Listened to a lot of Van Halen, Zeppelin, AC/DC and all back then on the AMTs. Build my own custom ones now with parts. Sound truly amazing with good tube amps - lead guitars in particular!  

Enjoy listening, lots of Eddie playing right now I bet!