Mid-70's, a McIntosh 2300 power amp (tested by Dave O'Brien at over 400 watts per channel at clipping) which was my band's PA amp. It could drive 4 pairs of Mac ML-1 loudspeakers, no problem.
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.