What were some of your early Hi-End audio gear/influences?

I agree , the large Advent sent me down that same road. It is on the list of the 12 most significant speakers of all time!!
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-12-most-significant-loudspeakers-of-all-time/

The first system I cobbled together was a little Pioneer reciever,Polk SDA  speakers,and a Technics table.I thought it sounded great until a friend brought over a 100 watt integrated(brand?).Those SDAs woke up and really sang.

In college, a friend's AR-5's and AR turntable, driven by a Tiger .01 amp, which was a kit (can't recall the pre-amp).  The quiet background, clean sound and bass extension got me hooked on good gear.  My subscription to TAS started with Issue No. 6.

43 years ago I bought my 1st system: Dahlquist DQ-10a's, Harmon Kardon TT with Rabco straight-tracking arm, Soundcraftsman pre-amp and Dynaco ST-400 amp.  Heaven.

Perhaps it was my age at the time, my friends and family that I shared with, or something else,...but the DQ-10 Dahlquist speakers were playing during what are now some of my best times with my closest friends. 

The DQ-10's were unbelievable at imaging for the time.  Soundstage width and depth, coherent image, lovely timbre, sufficient bass.