Best Retailer Youve Done Business With?

You are right "chadnliz" however my experience pre-2001 with audio dealers has been frustrating. I do feel guilty when purchasing online instead of paying homage to my local audio dealer. I just do not see the point of visiting my audio locally anymore or even in the LA metro area however I may checkout Gene Rubin audio in Ventura re: turntable.

Splitte
do not feel guilty
it is your money.
Do you really think that a greedy dealer feels the same way when he is trining to push the sell?????
I have exp. with at least ten dealers and from that ten maybe two are OK.
Do the math.
there is 80% chance that you will get screwed.
So when you find a dealer you can trust try to build relationship and whatever you do, do not screw him by buying something for $50 less from another dealer who is just tring to highjack a custumer by the first sweat sell.
It is not worth it
trust me.
Besides they all know each other
so it will come back and hurt you sooner or letter.
Cheers
Mariusz

Not many mentions for SoCal here. DSS in Carlsbad are very helpful and happy to let you demo whatever they have whenever you want, Stereo Design in San Diego (though they won't 'haggle' much) with a very nice store and no pressure, and Weinhardt Design in LA. Although he sells a very high level MBL inventory, Mr. Weinhardt entertained me with an otherwise modest budget and provided excellent after sales service.
All in all I think most dealers have realized the days of "I know more than you do" sales and name-brand elitism can't win over the values here on the internet. I always try to give them my business over the 'demo at the dealer and then buy off the internet' if they are decent sales people, and they usually come through with the traditional long-term sales and customer appreciation.

I would have to say it is Kevin Mcguire at The Sound Station in Bartlesville Oklahoma. He is has a wealth of knowlege, and willing to share it, honest, and stands behind what he sells.