Gotta throw my two cents in for Goodwin's High End in Waltham, MA. Didn't even know they were here when I moved to town. They carry really high-end stuff (I've heard the Dynaudio Evidences there at $85,000, as well as the Martin Logan Statements at $70,000), most of which I can't even identify. Even though I'm at the level where I'll buy a $2500 CD player, I'm in there quite frequently to listen to unrealistically expensive stuff. They're terrific about it. They're very knowledgeable, generous with their time and their demos, and very low-pressure. It's brought me back to using dealers for certain things. Also, I keep having the same repeated experience. I'll be on the phone with technical support (e.g. Theta, CAL, Classe, REL), and when I tell them what part of the country I'm calling from, they say (off the top of their head), "Have you been to Goodwin's High End?" The REL techie in California even knew to recommended them! They're about 15 miles west of Boston, MA, and they do stock used stuff.
Favourite / most impressive audio store
High-end audio (retail, storefront operation) high-end emporiums can thrill or frustrate with equal ease! My favourite store is "Applause Audio" on Queen Street East in Toronto, Ontario. Rob, the owner, always has a moment for those who walk in and has solid, well-founded opinions that are not forced on a prospective customer. In his funky, warm space analog and digital are well represented, everything is labelled and priced, and a useful "pre-owned" section is displayed prominently! (I'm not looking for testimonials or bad-mouthing....just your honest experiences).
P.S. for vintage stuff Steve's "Ring Audio" farther along Queen East cannot be beaten!
P.S. for vintage stuff Steve's "Ring Audio" farther along Queen East cannot be beaten!