Good stores in LA

I had a very positive experience at Brooks Berdan in Monrovia. He is setting up an audio museum as well, if you want to see some very cool vintage gear.

Thanks for all the responses. Time allowing (and traffic!), I will set up appointments to visit a couple of places.

Safe way to travel thru L.A. is in an Abrams M1A2.

There are a buttload of hi-end shops south of LAX, all within 30 minutes or so.
There are two right next to each other in Redondo Beach:
Definition Audio and Systems Design Group. If you keep going south another 15 minutes, you can find Audio Concepts in Long Beach (they have another store in San Gabriel.) Then you've got Sound Factor in Santa Monica and Encino. But be aware, most, if not all, close on Sundays.

Another in Redondo Beach is "The Home Theater Doctor" which offers both theater and two channel products.