I live in Chicagoland and have dealt with many audio dealers in the area. While MusicDirect is very good if you actually go there and make a deal with one of the sales folks and or look over their scratch and dent and other stuff not listed on their website, you will be well served to check out Jamie Pauls at F1 Audio currently in the Chicago suburb of Palatine, but moving to a new store space in Vernon Hills. Other area dealer I can recommend is Albert Sportis at Precision Audio Video in Chicago. I have not been to Quintessence in Morton Grove, but they are well regarded and carry very nice lines. Also if you are looking for First Watt (and maybe Pass Labs), there is a small dealer in Chicagoland as well.