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Which components knocked you out on first listen?

I've been listening to stereos since 1973 and I am still waiting to be truly knocked out by the sound of a component. I have sat in showrooms across the country and have been pleased by what I have heard but never truly blown away.
The closest I came was when I listened to a Meitner str-55 amp and VTL preamp a few years ago, sourced by a Linn Ikemi and Revel loudspeakers. However, I also have been moved by a
Apple computer cd drive, circa 1994 through a Creek 4040 and RA Lab speakers, estimated cost about $1,200; maybe more so than the Linn,Revel 10K system. How about you?
cody

Showing 1 response by dawgfish

dawgfish
157 posts
 
Then and now. The first system that opened my ears to what audio was all about was in 1972-ish: Dynaco tube pre- and power amps, Garrard Zero100C turntable, and Pioneer CS99A (15" woofer, 4-way) speakers. Of course, in retrospect, it wasn't that spectacular but it was head and shoulders above the consoles (or portable radios) most of my friends' families listened to. So it got the journey started...

I've heard lots of great gear since then, but I still think my favorite was Wadia front end feeding VTL 7.5 preamp, with big Ayre amps driving Vandersteen 5a's in a well-treated room. Immediacy, pace, rhythym, really good tonal balance -- speakers disappeared and left the singer in the room with me. Sigh...
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