Your first amp?


What was it, when did you get it, and what did you really want?

I'll start, 1977, really wanted a Pioneer SX650 ( a powerhouse at, I seem to recall, 35wpc) but just didn't have the dough. Wound up with an SX450 (15 wpc) and gotta say, within it's power limitations, it was pretty decent.

Ah, back in the day when musical happiness was a receiver, a turntable, decent speakers (the JBL 100 Century was real nice), and to splurge, a cassette deck. In fact, I would say, in 1977, my 'dream system' would have been a Pioneer SX850, the L100's, a Philips GA212 turntable with a V15 type 3, and a Tandberg cassette deck.
128x128zavato
Went into a stereo store @ 18, had a Pioneer SX780 in layaway, the store offered me a job, refunded my layaway money, my first manager was an audiophile. My first system ended up being a Gas Grandson of Ampzilla and a Kenwood LO7C
Pioneer SX-525 receiver with Marantz speakers and a Dual 1214 turntable. Ah, the early 1970s....
Dan, was the Realistic better than the Heathkit?

Tim, I just happen to have a Grandson recently rebuilt by Mike Bettinger at Gas Audio. A very fine little amp indeed.
Technics SA-222 receiver. Cost was $199. 30wpc and decent tuner. Got it in 1982. It was still working perfectly a couple of years ago when I pulled it out of the attic to give it away. Not audiophile quality, but it got me through high school, college, grad school and my first job.
B&K ST 100 and I loved it! Warm and musical.......it drove my KEF 105.2 speakers ....... That first big rig of mine will always be a very fond memory!