I was extremely interested in sound quality starting in 1973. Purchased Technics SL1200 with Audio Technica Shibata tipped stylus, Sony receiver with Dolby FM.
A friend that worked at that store had Pioneer Quad system with Quad Open Reel and Tapes, with 4 JBL L300s. That was pretty cool.
When I heard the Heil Plasmatronics in 1976, I was hooked on High End from there. (I didn't get them).