your first system-

roxy54, I used the money to buy a 1969 Ford Thunderbird 2-door with a 429 engine with the insurance money. I have mixed feelings about not replacing my stereo, but I also don't regret buying the car as there are many, many good memories in it!

In the last couple of years, now that the kids are all grown up I have been replacing much of what I had with the same vintage gear! I also have got almost 300 vinyl LP's now, having replaced all my original collection and more. Really enjoying being able to listen to good sounding music again!

Well, my first audio device was a transistor radio purchased in 1960. I was 11 years old. My father co-signed for a loan at the JC Penneys store. 

Had to use my parents console stereo throughout Jr high and high school. 

First real system was purchased on Okinawa 1970, Pioneer 63DX speakers, Sansui AU555 Integrated, Dual 1219 TT with Shure V15 type II cartridge, Teac RtoR deck. Owned that system till 1982. Wasn't in possession of it over many of those years as I spent much time traveling trying to find myself. 

Late 80's.  Polk audio 5b speakers, Realistic tape deck and Kenwood receiver.  I quickly realized the speakers didn't sound as good as they did in the store, so I saved up and replaced the Kenwood with an NAD 3140 int. amp.   Now that's more like it and the journey continues to this day.

I started the hi fi audio journey back in the late 70s was my brother's system with a stack of Marantz pre/power/turner 3200/140/104 (or may be 105), a Technic DD TT and a pair of AR 11 or 12 speakers. My first system, Mac MC2505 amp (maybe MC2105 can't remember), Mac C26 preamp, B&O TX2 TT, Teac tape deck and a pair of Design Acoustics PS-10A speaker. I wish I have kept that pair of Mac!

What started my journey was an old table-top AM radio my uncle gave me at age 6 or so. One day I was listening to it and laying on my bed, I reached over to turn it up and pushed it off the night stand - I heard a breaking of glass and that was the end of my tube audio experience!

(moved on to buy two MCS systems, then Soundcraftsmen, McIntosh, and now most recently a full TAD Evolution system.)