Mid '60's, still at school, part-time work in a petrol station allowed me to convert a two speaker mono radiogram to stereo by the addition of a BSR deck and ceramic cartridge, and a Northcourt 5W valve amp. I thought it was brilliant. Within 6 months, and a few visits to the local Hi Fi shop it was a Garrard deck, Shure cartridge, homemade Sinclair amp and homemade speakers with Elac units - now that was good!
40 yrs later and still at it, but no DIY components anymore, and it still sounds good. I wonder what the future has in store?
Tillman