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Which components knocked you out on first listen?

I've been listening to stereos since 1973 and I am still waiting to be truly knocked out by the sound of a component. I have sat in showrooms across the country and have been pleased by what I have heard but never truly blown away.
The closest I came was when I listened to a Meitner str-55 amp and VTL preamp a few years ago, sourced by a Linn Ikemi and Revel loudspeakers. However, I also have been moved by a
Apple computer cd drive, circa 1994 through a Creek 4040 and RA Lab speakers, estimated cost about $1,200; maybe more so than the Linn,Revel 10K system. How about you?
cody
gliderguider's avatar
gliderguider
294 posts
 
Apogee Divas driven by a Classe DR3-VHC. I heard an LP of Liszt's "Via Crucis" through these turn the far end of a showroom into a cathedral. Utter magic.

A KR-18 integrated amp - it was the first time I "got" what SET was all about, and bought it on the spot.

My Coincident Total Victories and Audio Note 4.1x DAC
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
There has been no match to my first experience with the Apogee Scintilla for a knock out experience, until I heard the Acoustic Reality eAR 2 MKII on Scintillas. That was an equally mind blowing experience.
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
Gilmore Model 2 and Model 3 speakers.

They must be heard to be believed.

KF
mikechanmd
13 posts
 
Back in the early 90s, I auditioned a tube/SS McIntosh system that made me a stereo junkie...

Now I'm a Krell guy, looking to make the transition over to Levinson.
jbatlanta
97 posts
 
Replaced my monster cable speaker wire with TMC gold (20 ft runs) and replaced the MC300 with two MC352's in a biwired and biamped system into the same speakers....Tannoy D-700's.

Didn't get any sleep that night. Quantum leap! Giddy with delight!
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