Suggestions needed. Speaker audition...Dallas?

Scoly1, if you are upgrading a two channel only system I would skip all of these dealers and talk to Galen Carol Audio in San Antonio. His lines are much more complete for audio only and feature the best brands that each of the Dallas dealers carry, all in one spot. You're much more likely to get careful, focused and expert service from him as well as a better understanding of what it takes to get great sound from a system. In my experience, this means a lot when you are prepared to spend more than a couple of hundred dollars.

I have dealt with Galen over the phone and he is top notch. The one problem with suggesting that Scoly1 go there when comes to Dallas is that it is four hour drive from Dallas to San Antonio.

Too far for top notch service?

Another suggestion of merit is Casey Mckee of Ne Plus Ultra in Austin, who has possibly the broadest range of the finest electronics and speakers on display that I have _ever_ seen outside of NYC (SBS) and Delaware (Overture), and I have seen the inside of most of the US best 2ch. retailers.

I know that is outside of Dallas, but he is well worth the trip. Dallas Audio Concepts is the best store I have been to in Dallas. I've not been in Vu's new store.

Sorry so long getting back on my trip.
We had a great time visiting a few of the recommended dealers. We were being chauffeured by friends that live in Dallas. They have no real appreciation for audio. To them fm radio is as good as it gets.

We managed to visit 5 of the recommended stores. All were courteous and helpful. Of note were Crystal Clear Audio and John Fort Audio. Don and John both went out of there way to make us comfortable and try to guide us in the right direction.

At Crystal Clear we had a discussion about my equiptment, plans for upgrades, and what I was looking for in speakers. The recommendation was Dynaudio audience 82. The audition room was a bit small for this speaker but sound was great. When we left I really felt I had found a speaker that would work for me. Don was very helpful and it showed why his store is rated so high.

Next up John Fort. After a brief discussion we decided to listen to the Gallo 3.1's and Vandersteens. Gallo's first and as soon as Patricia Barber's cd began I knew we were in store for something special. A few minutes into the first cut Dennis(one of the Dallas friends) leaned over and asked "does this sound as good as I think it does?". My reply, yes! Everything we were looking for. We listened to the Vandy's next but honestly know one was interested. We all wanted another round with the Gallo's but just couldn't justify taking up more of John's time.

To everyone who contributed to this thread a sincere Thank You. Your suggestions made our audition trip a huge success.
Steve