My first "real" stereo was all Yamaha back in 1980. CR-440 receiver, lowest TT, cassette deck and speakers. The receiver was the best part of it. Had it for a couple of years and started trading way more often than I should have. It was college, what can I say? Settled down when I graduated and only switch when something breaks or I need something (like a remote for volume on the integrated) or I get some found money or Covid hits. It seems like removing vibrations from the turntable and putting speakers 3 feet from the wall were the biggest improvements. Also removing vibrations from the speakers helped a lot.
