Your first component that was "special"


I got into hifi 40 years ago. I had a Pioneer receiver, Kenwood table, various entry level cartridges (ADC, Stanton, Empire) and Studio Design speakers. I wound up buying a Shure V15 Type 3 cartridge. That was the first piece of gear I bought that was way beyond ordinary. I had kept the cartridge until about 2o years ago- I sold it because by then no decent replacement stylus was available. Wish I still had it.

128x128zavato
Magnepan SMGc but not until I drive it with a proper power amp instead of a run-of-the-mill Pioneer HT receiver.
CAT SL 1 Reference Mk2 with phono.  Bought it preowned in1994 sold it 2015. performed purrrrrrfectly never an issue during our time together. At the time, a truly eye opening, and yes ear opening magical piece
That would be a pair of Fried Beta Signature series satellite speakers with a Fried "The Subwoofer" back in 85. At that time they were a true revelation compared to what I was using and a major step into this crazy hobby for me.

I still have them boxed up in storage and every once in a great while hook them up just for fun. Sure they are rolled off on the top end due to the cone tweeter but they are musical and that is an attribute I value.
Yamaha NS1000M speakers, had them for over 30 years. Sold them 2 years ago for, effectively, more than I paid for them originally. Even so, I regret selling them. Similar story with my Quad 44 pre-amp and 606 Mk2 power amp. Did not sell these for anything like what I paid for them originally. I regret selling them.
My first was a Dynaco stereo 70. Started a love affair with tubes that i have till this day
Alan