I was thinking the other day about all the audio stores that were around when I was a kid

Born in L.A., moved to S.F. in my mid-20's, on to Houston mid-40s'.  Remember all of those names and places, where I'd go to with 'itchy ears' but a anemic wallet.  Got to hear nearly all of the legendary 'super toys'...the first Ohms, big Infinity's, Maggies, the goes on.  At one PacStereo I was mistaken for an employee, because I knew how to operate their 'switchboxes' as well as the 'real' salesmen did.  But every time I moved, the number of 'dedicated' audio stores diminished. Now, here in AVL, there's just the 'big box' stores that sell 'typ-fi' that's available everywhere 'On Sale NOW!'
But, in the meantime...
I've become non-plussed by the esoteric, unless it's something like the MBL's which are Truly a step ahead.  My hearing isn't what it used to be, either.  Frankly, I couldn't tell if one's $100 a foot cables are better than the ones I bought from PE on sale, unless experienced in a 'prepared sonic environment'.....which I don't live in, own, or ultimately want to have.
I do agree with Linkwitz....'ignore the room'.  I do.  I 'do' room correction with eq, and have done so long before it became more 'SOP' for those that cared enough to try it.  Going 'flat' into the room works for me...
My 'system' these days looks more like 'test equipment' than 'fancy esoteria'.  Not high dollar, but selected to do what I want to accomplish, rather than the diminishing zeros behind the decimal points....I can't hear them anyway, anymore...('Jitter'...hmmm, too much caffeine? *L*)
In this era, we have the 'Net, the ultimate shopping center.  If it floats your boat, you can get it, here, there, Anywhere.  Pay the freight back if it's not what you dreamed it was or could be.  Audition in your home, your media, your way.  That's what you'll have to live with, anyway.
In short, cutting to the chase:
I like Now, better.  My 'opinion' rules my selections.  (I don't get to audition audio for a living.)
Does yours, too.
Enjoy your 'hobby' Your Way.
Should always be thus. ;)
...and Please, don't flame...MHO, you can have yours, Peace.

taters-

tell me about the current Audio operations there in SoCal.

Was at USC in '88, used to go to Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica. The guy was way cool, knew I was a punk ass college kid and still set up a California Audio Labs CD player, Audio Research amp/preamp and these huge Vandersteen's. Incredible sound.

Taters!  

i'm in los angeles and usually go to shelley's in woodland hills, ahead stereo in weho, AVcity in santa monica and m.i.r. audio+video in westwood.  sometimes i'll go to the magnolia/best buy stores.

there used to be a great place on ventura in encino i think on the north side of the street.  forget what it was called but they really knew their stuff.

where do you go?

Thanks! for sharing- jjhunsecker-

of the places that you listed, can you tell me more about the brands that are represented? Keep me posted & Happy Listening!