I've only ordered online from Music Direct, but they stock some top shelf stuff as well as stuff that delivers value at a lower price point. Always gave me a reasonably good vibe dealing with them. Never had to return anything. If they have a listening room as described above, that would probably be a good start.
As far as driving into Chicago, it ain't going to be rural Kauai, that's for sure. Better weather-wise to go in summer.
I lived in South Bend, Indiana for three years. Best advice on driving to Chicago from Indiana: other than the nice-ish South Chicago suburb of Orland Park, keep driving north. When you think you've gone far enough north, drive 5 more miles. Ten is even better. You see exit signs for Evanston, you should be OK. Slight exagerration, but not much. Lincoln Park (or is it Linkin Park :) ) area seemed OK, and parts of downtown also fine to walk in, but I don't recall seeing many stereo shops, and parking is a challenge in both areas.
Also, if I had to visit Gary, I'd take a German Shepherd or two, or maybe a Rottweiller. Famous for the Jacksons and street crime.
As far as driving into Chicago, it ain't going to be rural Kauai, that's for sure. Better weather-wise to go in summer.
I lived in South Bend, Indiana for three years. Best advice on driving to Chicago from Indiana: other than the nice-ish South Chicago suburb of Orland Park, keep driving north. When you think you've gone far enough north, drive 5 more miles. Ten is even better. You see exit signs for Evanston, you should be OK. Slight exagerration, but not much. Lincoln Park (or is it Linkin Park :) ) area seemed OK, and parts of downtown also fine to walk in, but I don't recall seeing many stereo shops, and parking is a challenge in both areas.
Also, if I had to visit Gary, I'd take a German Shepherd or two, or maybe a Rottweiller. Famous for the Jacksons and street crime.