I have to go with the late Henry Kloss. It was his musical but affordable large Advents that started me down the road of a lifetime of enjoying HiFi. I was a sophomore in college when I first discovered these college students' budget friendly speakers. Almost 50 years later, I'm still changing things up in the pursuit of affordable lifelike sound.
A person I would like to thank/mention in the history of the high end,
Many would think of Henry Kloss, Saul Marantz and many other people that have added much to the wonderful world of great audio equipment. A person that has had much impact on several systems I have owned and enjoyed is Nelson Pass. So a tip of the glass of holiday cheer to you, Mr. Pass.....thanks.