Where did you buy your first audio gear?

One of those Rent To Own places, about 40 years ago. It was a Sansui rack system. I added a Pioneer CD player the second year they came out. I also swapped out the speakers for a pair of JBL 80t's. This wasn't exactly high end but I was only 17 at the time. Last I knew the Sansui rack was still playing for the folks I sold it to.

At the HIFI store  on Campus Corner across from OU in Norman Oklahoma,1961

Gayla Sound, Rochester New York in 1983. I was clueless. I walked in with nothing Then walked out with a $3000 hi-fi.  (you could buy a new car for $3000 then). Those guys sold me good stuff. The AR Turntable with Grace F9e. Still have that cart. Not using it now but it sounds great with a new stylus from Soundsmith.
As separates, 100w ss amp and preamp from Bellas. (Now power modules).  Artesian Group monitors.  Those had Focal duel-coil drivers.  My daughter has that TT and speakers now. She was a seven YO then.

Bent

Montgomery Wards where I bought an all in one, but with separate speakers.

Then, real equipment from Sodaro's Electronics in Charleston WV.

Stereo Warehouse in San Luis Obispo. In 1974, it was JBL L100's, a Crown IC-150 preamp, and a Harman Kardon Citation 12 power amp, all for $550. My roommate was a salesman at SW and set me up with an employee 50% discount. I still own all three components.