What was your first 'hi-end' system?

First attempt was an all Lafayette system with integrated amp, tuner, and Heil AMT speakers.

Second attempt shortly after was a Hitachi Class G receiver, Philips 312 table, Aiwa ad6550 cassette deck, and OHM L speakers (which I still own). The Class G Hitachi was very nice in many ways but the weak link sonically. AN upgrade to a Tandberg TR2080 a few years later set things up nicely at last.

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When I purchased my Oracle Delphi Mk I turntable, I knew that I had arrived.
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By 1982 I'd worked my way into Klipsch Heresy pro monitors, Halfler DH200 power, RGR Model 4-1 pre-amp, Marcoff PPA-2 pre-pre amp, Rega Planar 2 turntable, Dynavector Karat 23RS, TEAC A3440 reel-to-reel, Tandberg TCD440A cassette, DBX 224 Type 2 noise reduction system, DBX 3BX Series Two dynamic range expander, MXR 15 band stereo equalizer, assorted Vampire Wire and Monster Cable ICs. Still have the RGR, Tandberg and Vampire Wire. The RGR is stored and needs a lot of work, but the TCD440A and VW still sound as good as the day I brought them home.

When I turned OFF Dolby C on my 3 head cassette deck.

Kenwood LO7C, Gas Grandson of Ampzilla, Kenwood, KD600 table with Audio Technica arm, Technics SB7070.
I've had worst since....