This is what approximately $2000 worth of stereo equipment looked like:
Sure, it doesn't look like much now, but at the time (with the exception of the speakers) it was state-of-the-art stuff.
- Stax SR-40 electrostatic headphones ($120)
- Technics SE-C01 power amp ($360)
- Technics SU-C01 control amp ($260)
- Technics ST-C01 tuner ($260)
- Technics SL-1300Mk2 turntable ($490)
- ADC ZLM phono cartridge ($135)
- Infinity 1001A Loudspeakers (not shown) ($149 ea.)
The only items I still have are—amazingly—the speakers (woofers refoamed and cabinets resurfaced several years ago), although I did pick up another 1300Mk2 off eBay about a decade ago and still use it to spin my vinyl. I've also had several sets of the Micro Series components over the years, but always end up selling them because their general lack of inputs and outputs make them impractical for use as a main setup in this age of DVRs, DVDs, and the multitude of other tech that you might want to attach to your stereo.
I like the "optional rack" shown with an SL-1301 to the right.
I remember 'investing' in high priced speakers and such; I guess we all did. I wonder what happened to it all? I miss records though.