I used to live in the SF Bay Area. I have had good luck with salespeople at Stereo Plus (Berkeley); Music Lovers (Berkeley); Audio Chamber (Berkeley); Western Audio (Palo Alto); and, my personal favorite "The Soundwell" (Berkeley). I had less than good luck at The Audible Difference (Palo Alto).
We moved to Arizona, and it is a wasteland for hi-end stereo. The best shops I have found are AZ Hi-Fi (on Central), and Woolson's (Phoenix). I enjoy shopping at LMC (Scottsdale), but I prefer their Tempe store. Somehow, the LMC stores make me feel uncomfortable if I don't buy something...or maybe it's just me.