Nowhere to hear speakers and amps anymore!

+1 regarding Music Lovers. Good selection, and incredibly helpful staff in my experience, anyway.

Be weary of Audio Vision. They literally charge you $250 if you want to audition any gear and you are only given that money back as a credit if you make a purchase within 90 days. Also, in my three or four times of walking in, each time was greeted with serious attitude.

They do offer a huge lineup of gear though, so if you know what you want and don’t want to deal with the trouble of going through an LA dealer, they might be a worthwhile option.

Brick and mortar retail audio is almost entirely gone, which is unfortunate.  You might have better luck at an audio show, like most of us. Try 

If someone is near Atlanta, there is still HiFi Buys in addition to the Best Buy locations that might have a Magnolia room

Those of us in smaller cities are without even a single brick and mortar showroom anymore. Just not enough market in areas with a million people to make it viable. 

It is truly an audio desert here in northwest Florida. It’s really sad. In addition to not having traditional brick and mortar stores, there are very few audiophiles, clubs, get togethers etc. My only contact with people of my ilk are forums like this which I’m glad to be a part of.