Is your now then?


What was your first significant experience with quality audio (then) and how does it compare with your present system (your now).
Do you think we strive to return to the past and remain in those influential times? Are our choices psychological, nostalgic even....?

Mine is a mixed bag. Solid state with turntable were my beginnings. Presently SS with digital sources trumping my TT most days. I am still enamored by albums and uber turntables, but budget constraints and the ease of digital is presently winning.
jpwarren58
I worked for Federal Express ,I delivered to a apartment in Manhattan,  standing outside the door I heard music , the maid open the door , and  the sound just beautiful ,like I never experience before. One day a gentleman answered the door ,And invited me in ,  It was Victor Goldstein , That’s were it all started 30 years ago.
fedie ... great story!  Can you elaborate on your impromptu meeting w Victor?  Do recall anything of his system?  
At Lafayette Radio on Rte 17 Paramus, NJ, l was there to buy my first stereo, a KLH 11 suitcase, and I asked to hear the best they had. The proprietor put on Rectilinear 3s with a Mac amp. Wow. Next, in Chicago at Victor’s I heard IMF Studios playing Cat Stevens Angelsea and Quad ESLs (57s) playing a Mozart chamber orchestra and I was set on my path. I’ve never had the disposable income to own the best, but the pursuit has been great. 
1970 Lafayette LA-950 integrated (have repurchased for nostalgia), Garrard 40B, Criterion 100B speakers … tremendous improvements over suitcase stereo and portable 5” Aiwa R2R.

Thinking of recreating that strictly for nostalgia, but probably won’t. I’ve already recreated my college/post-college system (ca 1978 JVC integrated, Pioneer table, Polk Mon7) partially for nostalgia but also respectable SQ … I could listen as only system if necessary.

Nothing holds a candle to modern system wrt SQ.
A technics tt,pioneer receiver, parallex speakers was my first system in the early 70s.After many different configurations over the years I'm very happy with CDs, a tube amp,and Zu speakers.I'm feeling that 70s live concert vibe again. Totally satisfied.