I had a similar story.
A friend owns a guitar shop that was a main Marshall dealer.
As part of their promotions, they held a clinic where they would demo the revolutionary new head.
I was ‘invited’ to go and I heard the most glorious tone I had ever heard. Full deep and yet clear and crisp. From that moment I knew that no other amp would do.
I was fortunate to get a little play on the rig that evening. Wow!
I saw the price tag, and pretty much gave up hope of ever owning one.
fast forward a good few years, and I got myself into a new band where my fender 300w bass combo wasn’t rock n roll enough, and I saw someone selling a 7200 model on eBay for £120
excitedly I bought it and have been fortunate enough to use Marshall dbs rigs ever since.
this is my 5th Marshall cab and 2nd 7400. I still have the 7200 too 🤘🤘