Best Audio Store in Washington D C ?

J S Audio in BEthesda is the one I know worth a visit. United Home Audio another, especially if you've never heard a good MBL setup. There are others around I have not visited.

JS Audio has most of the big audiophile brands--e.g., Wilson, Revel, Meridian, McIntosh-- and enough rooms to demonstrate the gear. This would be the best, single, conventional store.

Evolution Audio, near Tysons Corner, has brands such as Magico, VTL and Audio Research. Although it is just off a main road, it helps to have GPS because it is a bit hidden.

The most unusual store, and the most friendly and interesting, is Deja Vu Audio. This store sells mostly tube gear, particularly very old vintage gear and their own exclusive lines of "new" gear made from vintage parts, and custom-designed and built speakers using very old drivers. A lot of people will completely NOT get what this sound is about, but, for a number of newcomers, the place delivers an almost religious-conversion experience.

DejaVu Audio and CommandAV. Both in VA.

Also Sophia Electric is located in VA.

Deja Vu sounds interesting. Gotta get there someday.

The proprietor of Command AV is one of the friendliest and most easy going person you will ever meet in this line of work. However, because he sells out of his home, visits are by appointment only. He is a computer guy, so he specializes in building custom computer-based music servers. For those in the area, his place is worth a visit--interesting equipment (Line Magnetic tube gear, DeVore speakers) and very pleasant conversation. servers.

DC is interesting in this regard. DejaVu, CommandAV, Sophia Electric, Border Patrol. Definitely not "ordinary."

Late comer to this thread, and I know these both have been mentioned, but just wanted to reiterate my very positive experiences with both Gifted Listener and Deja-Vu. Couldn't ask for a better contrast in system philosophies, both are warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. In disclosure I have purchased from Gifted Listener but not Deja-Vu, otherwise I have no vested interest - just enjoy quality when I find time to sneak out for an afternoon!

At both Gifted Listener and Deja Vu one will get a great experience--interesting demonstrations, no sales pressure or intimidation. I would add to that list Command AV. Even though visiting Command AV is by appointment only, it is a completely relaxed and fun experience.

I can't say which is the best but I can echo what Larryi says. Also, Gifted Listener was very patient with me when I was looking for speakers - good owner/operator.

Anyone remember Excaliber?

I used to visit Excaliber way back when they had the Infinity Reference Standard and the first Martin Logans. Was it a bad omen when they shut down or what?