It's funny how we've ended up talking about stereo components. My first ever purchase after I started work as a 17 year old was a stereo. I bought a top of the range Technics system with a Class A amplifier. Like yours MJG, I have been having troubles over the past few years with the relays - sometimes both channels work, sometimes just one and other times none at all. This drives my husband mad, but I have tolerated it. I have strenuously resisted buying a new amp as the quality of sound from this one is as good as any I have heard (even after close to thirty years). Over the years I have replaced the CD player three times and may have to go for No. 4 soon, as it is having trouble recognising whether there are disks in it or not. I also bought some AR18 speakers, which pack a punch for their size.

Last week, we investigated what was available in stereo components locally - not much, unless you want the surround sound/home theatre systems. They recommended a Denon amplifier with built-in CD player which looked like a huge black box. My Technics amp is smooth sleek and silver... Anyway, to cut a long story short, I looked on eBay and to my delight there was an identical Technics amp to mine, which is now sitting on my loungeroom table. My original amp is working perfectly currently (must have felt the pressure), but at least I know if it has the rocket, I can swap over. I also bought another pair of AR speakers (AR25 this time) which should arrive this week - heaven!

Just as an aside, when I bought my first CD player in Singapore in the early eighties, the song that they won me over with was "Owner of a lonely heart" by Yes - I can't say I've ever listened to it on my headphones, but I reckon it'd be pretty good.