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
Twenty some odd years ago I was blown away by a Keith Monks record cleaning machine.....Nitty Gritty came out with a machine for $350 and had to have one.....Wore it out and bought a VPI RCM.....A few years ago I found Optrix and it made CDs sound listenable.....Bought a beveling machine for CDs called an audio desk systeme and it was a revelation....As far as gear goes the ARC SP3A-1 was an eye opener....The Goldmund Studio was killer, but the Rockport was so much quieter and so easy to use....Rockport speakers were wonderful ten years ago, but the Sound Lab M-1s are cleaner.....Epiphanies are few and far between in audio unfortunately....
Both the MG12 and 1.6 Magnepans knocked my off my feet when I first heard them and I love listening to my 12's every single day.
The first speakers that really knocked me out were the Acoustat X. The ones with the built in direct drive tube amps. The sound was (to me at the time) unbelievable. It sounded like there was a harpsichord in the room. They were so beamy you almost needed a vise for your head.

Anyone else ever own these?
No paticular order

Quad 57s.....oh my
Baby Maggies....sweet
Early watt/pups..........BAM Bam!!

Krell KSA 100...BASSSSSSSSSSSSS
Stax Headphones...UNREAL...maybe SUREAL
Wolcott Amps on planar Infinitys....THE BEST
My first childs , first cry....UNBEATABLE