I had the same experience in college, also in the 70's. My system (Sansui, Phillips TT, and large Jensen 3-ways) gave me enjoyment every time I listened. Unfortunately there were years between then and now where I probably read too many audiophile articles and sort of lost the direction of what excited me about that college system, which was tone, dynamics, and ease of operation.
Thankfully, my current system provides those three attributes so I have been able to once again enjoy the sound and get more excited about the music than about improving my system.