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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
jadem6's avatar
jadem6
1,074 posts
 
Mine must have been in the mid '60's. It was the first boom box I guess. I remember it was a textured grey suitcase looking thing with a handle on top. On the sides were the speakers, they hinged out and detached for better sound-staging! In the middle was a turntable that folded out of the "suitcase" housing and it was even nicely suspended. After a year or two it required a penny taped to the tonearm to keep it tracking!

My dad was a true influence on my requiring good equipment, NOT! I think he found it next to the camouflage waders at the corner five and dime.

Thanks for the thread, I have not thought of that thing for years.

jd
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
Pioneer 8 Track with matching speakers from 1973. Listened to this to death. In college, my Dad got me a pair of pro JBL monitors matched to a Dynaco Amp and a pro Sony cassette deck.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty
1,079 posts
 
Around 1970, Sansui 3000A receiver, speakers were various drivers thrown together, turntable was an early Bogen, with a hand-made tonearm that would really get a good laugh if seen today. I forget which coins were used to balance the arm, front and rear. Counterweight was a mass of wood, hand carved, as was the head shell. There was no anti-skating. Cartridge was a Shure that cost around $19. I got the turntable from a friend who upgraded to a Lenco. Lamp cord for speaker wire. I was in heaven!
shrinermonkey
5 posts
 
Late 1980s - Bare bones Technics receiver, Kenwood CD player, and Bose 201s.... ugh. I could have chosen some Baby Advents instead of the Bose... what was I thinking!?
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
1976, I was in the Army stationed at Augsburg,Germany.We got great deals through the PX. My system was a Marantz integrated(forgot model),Pioneer CTF 9191 cassette deck(huge), Dokorder 10 1/2" open reel recorder(would die to have this back), Technics belt drive turntable and Sansui "Super 16" speakers(loud). I sold this system in 1982(needed money) and did the low-fi thing for years,sad but true. Just got back into good equipment and I am having a blast !!!
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