I had somwhat similar experience with Sound by Singer.
Their level of customer service will grow as you'll show desire to spend more or deep pocket.
I walked in there just to buy the analogue cartridge remembered to be one of my first Sumiko BPS.
The purchase looked like buying some groceries: "Analogue carts are on that shelf... go take a look". So I went, asked to remove from locked shelf, picked up, paid and took my way out... The Best Buy purchases of the same magnitude would look much more nicer.
Park Avenue Audio is probably out of business long time ago. Been there wasn't impressed by the equipment in stock. Their listening room would probably jeopardise most of the system performance criterias so auditioning there would not give you lots of usefull information.
The best dealers around NYC are outside NYC megapolis:
Had been dealing with TFTA in Westchester -- The personnel is extreamly knowlegable, great choice of 'toys', lots of vintage equipment for those who're interested.
Audioconnection in Verona NJ only 26mi from NYC: Probably the best listening rooms and huge array of the equipment. Exellent analogue choices. The only downside that JohnnyR constantly dogmatizing Vandys being the best of any kind where he might be wrong. Judge yourself if you visit coz none regrets visiting this place and neither do I.