High End Quality Retailers in the Chicago, Il Area

I agree establishing a relationship is key in this hobby, I just know from seeing the poor victems who go to these stores get a dose of arogance and rudeness quickly turning their feet towards the door. my main point was learn enough about what you want to not let that crap get to you.

All good points. That's why I suggested music direct. They are great to work with and don't push any single product. They have a huge selection in all price ranges that you can actually go see. You can look at everything on their web site first and do research here.

Once you have all of that knowledge and experience you will be ready to buy, be it new or used. I don't know of anywhere else in the area that has the variety they do. Good luck!

P.S. I have no affiliation with music direct what so ever. I have just had great service from them.

I would suggest Holm Audio in Woodridge. Mike Holm and his staff are down-to-earth folks who are friendly and well informed. They don't have that attitude that you find in many other shops. They have a wide variety of new and used gear and they have a very reasonable audition policy.

I would not be increasing the amperage of a fuse. It was designed to blow at a predefined parameter or amperage. You would jeopardize your safety and the safety of the device. Fuses should have zero effect on what you hear. A fuse is a sacrificial device put in place to blow to prevent damage further upstream in the electrical circuit. 

Decibel Audio in Chicago.  Great helpful people and generous policies.  

Rogue Audio, Harbeth, KEF, Rega, etc.