Who remembers audio from the time when ...

Acquiring my sisters abandoned mono Dansett record player in the late 60’s, I fitted a stereo cartridge and ran one channel to a small guitar amplifier. Sounded OK - just, but it did achieve separation suiting the left/right recordings of the day. Later additions at Uni were Kef Kit speakers which looked far better than they sounded, and a Heathkit amplifier still using the old Dansett platter wired like Frankenstein. As with Barts "I smoked the Philco literally" this produced an impressive bang and smoke whilst departing this earth. First real system was Pioneer PL12D, Yamaha receiver - all purchased on the strength of magazine ’reviews’, and still the old Kef Kit speakers. Small success in business led to Quad ESL63, quad 402, meridian 101 pre, and Rega Planar 3 - again all purchased blind from magazine reviews. 35 years later morphed into the current system, learning to listen before buying and take a critical (jealous?) mate with you and music you know really well. Also pay the dealer price for peace of mind and don’t import (story for another time).

Great stories, everybody!  I've told mine in other threads but here's the compressed version with a few additions.
1950's -- Dad has mountain of 78's, 45's & 33's.  Plays 'em on a one-box record changer.  Me and older sis have a brightly colored kiddie 78er.  Later, Dad builds Heathkit hifi on kitchen table.  All separates, including AM tuner.
Early 1960's.  Dad takes me downtown to hifi show at Ambassador Hotel (I grow up in L.A.).  Both wowed by stereophonic.  Dad buys big Kenwood receiver for 'self. I get the Heathkit.  Later, Dad gets me a smaller Kenwood stereo receiver which I hook to mismatched speakers.
Early 1970's.  I visit my best buddy, who's in college at Berkeley.  His stereo is so superior to mine, I must go shopping.  I wind up with KEF Corelli's, which I hook to the Kenwood but which I properly align and place on stands.  In time, I inherit my dad's mountain of vinyl and shellac.
Switch to today.  Retired.  Living on an island.  Dedicated audio room/man cave.  Tweek-a-zoid electrical outlets.  Nola Boxers aligned/fine-tuned by ear.  Tons of vinyl and CDs.  Totally addicted to streaming.  But my stereo ain't working!!!!  The PrimaLuna has blown a fuse and nobody on the island sells the proper replacement. No luck at the local auto parts stores.  I guess I'll just have to sit tight until the box of mail-order fuses arrives and can see if the problem with the 'Luna is actually serious.

SQ Quadraphonic

I just found an album liner with promotion of many Columbia recordings, and one section discussed the 'new at that time' SQ Quadraphonic system.

"startling, miraculous engineering, total realism, flexible, imaginative, complete, compatible, amazingly simple, in short, the most natural sound ever designed for records".

"the finishing touch to the revolution in home audio that Columbia began in 1948"

They issued both Quad LP's and Q8 4 channel tape cartridges. (I never saw or heard one of them). A list of 15 early issues, all big name artists was included.

 My friend jumped in, certain things were interesting. It died.

The difference between driving a stick-shift car VS an automatic transmission.