New Orleans high end stores?

@ Acresverde, Yes!, That is the gentleman that owned the store in Metairie, Jay Valentino, man, He was really young ole chap back in the late 90s, I use to give seminaires at his store on resonance tunning, so he moved to Baton Rouge, mmm, I suppose Hurricane Katrina was enough for him, and everyone else, The store was called Audio resource, when you said the name, it hit the bell in my old head,LOL!, that's the store for sure, Hey man, Thankyou, I may give him a ring soon and supprise Jay, He would fall out of his chair, nobody has heard from me in a very long time.

Wilson audio is by far the best place for quality gear and Doug's reference room will routinely compete against anything out there. BtW, he still uses BC1s in his own setup.

Few people know Spendor, Maggie's, and ARC gear better in terms of sound.

However, I wouldn't deal with anyone except Doug and your experience could be variable in terms of customer service. If he gets to know you, you will be will take care of in deals and guidance. He has no problem recommending something much cheaper if it's better. However, other first timers can find he lacks the typical demeanor you see from Jay Valentinos more polished operation.

A lot of brands repd by Valentino have been crap imo and have never heard any system that blew me away, but I'm sure that part is subjective.

An experienced audiophile would probably enjoy a visit to both and contrasting the positives and negatives of each.

For me, the only person I've ever met in this hobby who I trust their ears as much as mine is Doug Wilson.

That could have been one of 2 stores. The aforementioned Valentino's, who moved to Baton Rouge; or Alterman Audio who is over on 17th street. I'd forgotten about them as I don't live in the area anymore. Wilsons, Valentinos, and Alterman were in a 3 block radius of each other. Alterman's, as I recall, is more of a HT store. But check their website to see what they're carrying these days. I see they carry Denon and Sony AVR's and are now carrying Parasound, so maybe worth a walk over there. They are only about 3 minutes from Wilson's. BTW, make sure you lunch or dine at Drago's over on N. Arnoult. About another 2 minutes away

Audiolab, the store in Metairie was called Audio Resource and was owned by Jay valentino who now operates out of the above mentioned store in Baton Rouge.

There use to be a store in Metairie, LA suburb of new orleans, Do any of you know if these guys moved, are still around?, they use to sale Krell in the late 90s, I believe Huricane Katrina could have wiped them out?, any insight on this dealer, I would be grateful.

Yes, go to both stores if you have the time. I've purchased equipment from both and I personally like Valentino's better. A little more organized. Wilson's is a Rogue, ARC, Spendor, Harbeth, paradigm, Maggie dealer. Doug Wilson still listens to SP100's (I think) and been in the business forever. Valentino's has B&W, Martin Logan, Classe, Rotel, and others I can't remember. Jay and Ken and are quite personable. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

Joe-

I will second Wilson Audio and add Valentino Home Entertainment in Baton Rouge (about an hour drive from N.O.)

Keep us posted during and after your trip!

wilson audio