I'm still a babe in terms of A/V. My parents had a stereo receiver when I was a kid, but I can't remember what type it was. My dad probably still has it. Hell he probably still uses it.
I do remember how exciting it was when they expanded on our turntable by adding a dual head tape deck, and *gasp* a 6 disc CD changer.
At one point he also brought home a Bose surround system back when they were still new and innovative. I wouldn't consider my dad an audiophile, but I remember he hooked everything up and ended up taking it back because he decided it sounded like crap.
Ahh..the good old days.