Where did you buy your first audio gear?

The year was 1979 and I was a young marine stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I purchased a Pioneer SX-1080 receiver with a pair of Pioneer HPM 100 speakers and a Kenwood cassette deck from the base exchange.

Technics receiver and Koss headphones in 1972 at about 3000 south State St Salt Lake City, Inkley’s Camera Shop, about 3 years later I got a Yamaha Natural Sound CR 820 receiver, Tannoy Cheviots, Technics Direct Drive turntable and ortofon cartridge at Broadway Music downtown Salt Lake City. I got spoiled early on

My first quality gear I bought from the man, Brooks Berdan in SoCal.  It was a Rega P3, Rega Mira integrated, and Vandersteen 2ce Sigs.  That was 20 years ago and I still use the table and speakers, upgraded to separates though in that time (Rogue Metis tube pre, also from them).  Was a great store while he was alive, best salesman I've ever encountered.

Great American Stereo Warehouse, Portland, OR

Allied Radio, scrapd plates at  U of A dining room,saved up  and got a Scott amp, AR4 speakers , a Lear turntable and Koss headphones for about $260.   Aw those were the days !!