Matt,
A lot of good suggestions. I think it's good to get other perspectives and as you mentioned you want a sales person to be unbiased if that's possible. Another thing I would suggest is take another audio friend with you that you trust (their ears). I always do this and we compare notes after we listen. I have listened to the Linn and Classe electronics with the former B&W line. They were ok but didn't really knock my socks off. I wouldn't dismiss the integrated route such as the Ayre, Pass Labs, Rowland or as a wild card the Devialet. If you go the separate route I would suggest keeping the pre amp and amp from the same manufacture to capture the brand synergy. In the end just trust your ears no matter what anyone says. You will know it when you hear it.