I got my first "real" system about 22 years ago. It consisted of a Kenwood receiver, I think it was 20 or 40 watts I can't remember, a Technics belt drive turntable, which I think was issued to every teenager at the time along with a "Frampton comes Alive" album, and the speakers were made by a local company in Connecticut called "Clarke Systems"(I think they are defunkt).
The only reason I bought those speakers was that the store said it was their best line. I did think they sounded good in the store but I never ended up liking them even though I upgraded to two other models in there line over the next two years.
I wish I had bought EPI or some other line at the time. But the speakers were decent for me then.
Later I got rid of the Kenwood receiver and bought an HK receiver. I had that for four years and then got an Arcam integrated amp and a Thorens turntable. Eventually I got Polk speakers which I hated! I traded them a year later for tiny Mission's which I loved. That was my first foray into the "British" sound. I was hooked. I eventually traded up to larger Missions, the 781's and B & K ST140 mp/pre-amp and a Linn Axis table. I had this setup for the last ten years but I recently sold the B & K stuff and am getting rid of the Mission's soon. There is nothing wrong with any of the equipment, I'm just wanting a change. I'm keeping the LINN turntable though. Since I moved for the past few years I've been listening through my cheapo Sony portable CD run through KOSS computer self powered speakers. No I am not going to say this sounds that great but it's served me ok over the last few years for simple listening. Currently I'm trying to build a minisystem which was originally going to consist of a TEAC ref 100 all-in-one, but I recently bought a pair of JM Lab Chorus 705's, their lowest price speaker, and may buy the Teac ref 300 amp and CD player them. I'm trying not to go overboard with price on this system. Eventually I'll put together another more pricey system. My problem is I enjoy putting together different systems even though I only need one currently. It's easy to catch the bug.
The only reason I bought those speakers was that the store said it was their best line. I did think they sounded good in the store but I never ended up liking them even though I upgraded to two other models in there line over the next two years.
I wish I had bought EPI or some other line at the time. But the speakers were decent for me then.
Later I got rid of the Kenwood receiver and bought an HK receiver. I had that for four years and then got an Arcam integrated amp and a Thorens turntable. Eventually I got Polk speakers which I hated! I traded them a year later for tiny Mission's which I loved. That was my first foray into the "British" sound. I was hooked. I eventually traded up to larger Missions, the 781's and B & K ST140 mp/pre-amp and a Linn Axis table. I had this setup for the last ten years but I recently sold the B & K stuff and am getting rid of the Mission's soon. There is nothing wrong with any of the equipment, I'm just wanting a change. I'm keeping the LINN turntable though. Since I moved for the past few years I've been listening through my cheapo Sony portable CD run through KOSS computer self powered speakers. No I am not going to say this sounds that great but it's served me ok over the last few years for simple listening. Currently I'm trying to build a minisystem which was originally going to consist of a TEAC ref 100 all-in-one, but I recently bought a pair of JM Lab Chorus 705's, their lowest price speaker, and may buy the Teac ref 300 amp and CD player them. I'm trying not to go overboard with price on this system. Eventually I'll put together another more pricey system. My problem is I enjoy putting together different systems even though I only need one currently. It's easy to catch the bug.