How old were you when audio gear first caught your interest?

@buellrider97  

Yes, that's the place.

I went through Heathkit catalogs like others went through the Sears Christmas catalog. I still chuckle at being in awe of the Heathkit "computers!"

Freshman year in high school began real interest in equipment. Was lucky enough to receive a KLH stereo for graduation. All downhill from there. Some people, not me of course, discovered student loans were great for stereo stuff! 

When I was a teen I stayed at a relative’s home- they had a military PX catalog- this was during the Vietnam years. That catalog introduced me to brands I never heard of. 

I was a teen and drooled over all the hifi stuff, but could not afford it. In grad school (mid 90s) I got some prize money and purchased a Pro-ject 6.1 TT, otherwise rather bought vinyl than gear. 24 years of school, post-doc, adjuncting, plus academic rat race in MINT-non-profit world is not a good financial strategy, though had plenty of fun. Only since mid 50s I could buy any vinyl I want and still have discretionary funds left over. I am still way more into music than gear. Gear is just a means to an end. 

My story is different.  Born in 1949 behind the Iron Curtain I was hooked up to Hi-Fi around 17. With help of some friends from France I got my first Scott 50W stereo integrated with 50W Scott speakers. Thorens TT and French radio receiver. Later I found a mini Denon reel to reel. Going through 70ies and 80ies I tested Sony and Technics integrated but I can't forget my Scott experience. Coming to USA in 1990 gave me a lot more opportunities for Onkyo, Opportunities. On a trip to OC I swerved to a SALE sign in a warehouse where I found two ESS AMT towers slightly damaged at the top cover. I listened to them for a decade, replaced the surrounds and finally sold them.  Great speakers .  Now I'm streaming mostly with Eversolo, Benchmark and Focals. I guess the bug never goes away.