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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
electroslacker
375 posts
 
First McIntosh tubes...why am I frozen in place?
Heil AMT 1...the music sparkles!
Apogee Stages setup almost nearfild...where are they?
Hyperion 938 speakers...came back to their room five times.
rzado
175 posts
 
Over the years, the following products have been the ones that left the strongest lasting impressions on first listen:

Verdier La Platine
Genesis 300 speakers (at their current used prices, one of the best bargains in audio)
Counterpoint SA-9 / Magnum Opus
Siltech Emperor

Melbguy1's list isn't so bad either - love the TechDas AF1 and Infinity IRS V.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Stax Lambda
bill_k
918 posts
 
Beveridge 2sw2 electrostatic speakers, back in the late 70's I believe. They were amazingly realistic sounding and unlike any other stereo reproduction I ever heard. They were responsible for getting me started on an endless almost 40 year old passion for high end audio gear.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,893 posts
 
Me too Czarivey. I still have my Lambdas---they're keepers.
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