Actually I discovered this hobby earlier than 1985, but I was too young to pursue it. It all started with my Dad's stereo system in the early 70s...
I am attaching a picture of my system today.
The Marantz 7C on the carpet is a custom unit which I rebuilt with a Khozmo 48 step remote control attenuator, Arizona "Cactus" PIO caps and schottky diode rectifiers. I alternate it with a 1959 all stock original preamp (gold faceplate).
The speakers are Chartwell 15 ohm LS3/5A's which interface particularly well with the 16 ohm tap of the Marantz 9's...
