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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.
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csontos
1,311 posts
 
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.
mateored
258 posts
 
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.
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grannyring
6,479 posts
 
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!
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jtcf
1,617 posts
 
A 15 watt Pioneer receiver(1974?)with a Technics turntable and no name speakers.Loved it!
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danzspkrman
72 posts
 
Not better, just different. Less heat, seemingly a lot more power, but keep in mind my speakers got bigger and more sensitive too, which gave the illusion of much more power, 5 db doesn't sound like much, but a teenager with a very loud listening taste, every watt I could get through those speakers was a good thing at the time....Looking back, I think for solid state, that thing was awesome(they still sell for 100's on ebay if you are lucky enough to find one.) The W4's were more engaging, If I could only had my LP 12 back then.....I'd probably STILL own them......I sold them when I was moving regrettably. I have yet to afford the $$ or space for tube gear. It is WAY more expensive than back then. Now a decent American made amp will set you back thousands....
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