Where did you buy your first audio gear?

Went to college in 1980 with a suitcase, hockey bag, 4 sticks & a clock radio - everyone had Marantz this, Pioneer that, AR, Advent & Kenwood... I was so envious of these other kids and their setups. Fast forward 2yrs. I left school for opportunities in Europe. Came home the spring of '83, walked into Tech HiFi in Saugus, Mass with a pocket full of cash. Left with JBL, 4311s, Crown PL2 and SL2 power & pre, SAE 180 EQ and a Denon, DP35F w/Micro Acoustics 3002 cart. I dropped everything I came home with in that one shot, lol - I was 22yo. Been on the wheel ever since 

UNITED ELECTRONICS  NILES OHIO

Lafayette Electronics... $5 tube amp (mono) and a 12" raw speaker from their bargain dumpster bin. I think I was in 8th grade. Later I "upgraded" by adding a 5" (ha!) "tweeter" and soldered a cap to it.

Yeah, I know. I was cookin' with gas!

I had a hand me down system from the parents called a Zenith Mini Wedge. They saw I really liked music and ended up supporting my interest. This lead to the purchase of the following as a complete set:

• JVC R-X80 Receiver
• JVC KD-D40 Cassette Deck
• Dual 508 turntable with a Stanton cartridge
• Phillips CD100 CD player
• Infinity RSa speakers

The turntable became a Denon DF-35F with a Grado cartridge and the CD player become a Denon DCD-1500 about a year or so later.

All where purchase from local non-chain HiFi shops in Pennsylvania, US

1st stereo was a $35 suitcase job from Great Eastern Mills in NY in 1964. 1st real system was from Campus Stereo in State College, PA; Marantz 1060 integrated, Electrovoice 15A speakers, and dome Garrard turntable. I was in heaven!