An NAD 3020 integrated amp...... a super low-key 20 wpc amp that blew away my flashy 70 wpc Japanese reciever. As a 19 yr old college kid, it was tough to buy something that didn't look awesome, but I soon came to love the NAD look, and now equate that to fun listening. I quickly traded up to the 3150 amp and it's still powering my workshop system today, 32 years later!
Your first component that was "special"
I got into hifi 40 years ago. I had a Pioneer receiver, Kenwood table, various entry level cartridges (ADC, Stanton, Empire) and Studio Design speakers. I wound up buying a Shure V15 Type 3 cartridge. That was the first piece of gear I bought that was way beyond ordinary. I had kept the cartridge until about 2o years ago- I sold it because by then no decent replacement stylus was available. Wish I still had it.