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
Merrill audio Veritas monoblocks, no questions about. the most live like music that I ever hear.Tango
Thiel CS 3.5 Loudspeakers. 

Purchased used a couple of years ago right here on the 'Gon. 
Drove to Massachsetts to get them, got em in the room, wired em up, fired up the system and before I could reach the chair I literally spun around in my tracks in amazement. 

Maggies can can do that for you as well, and they have for me but I returned to the Thiels.