New Orleans high end stores?

Wilson audio is by far the best place for quality gear and Doug's reference room will routinely compete against anything out there. BtW, he still uses BC1s in his own setup.

Few people know Spendor, Maggie's, and ARC gear better in terms of sound.

However, I wouldn't deal with anyone except Doug and your experience could be variable in terms of customer service. If he gets to know you, you will be will take care of in deals and guidance. He has no problem recommending something much cheaper if it's better. However, other first timers can find he lacks the typical demeanor you see from Jay Valentinos more polished operation.

A lot of brands repd by Valentino have been crap imo and have never heard any system that blew me away, but I'm sure that part is subjective.

An experienced audiophile would probably enjoy a visit to both and contrasting the positives and negatives of each.

For me, the only person I've ever met in this hobby who I trust their ears as much as mine is Doug Wilson.

I can update my previous comment 2 years ago by saying things have only gotten better at Wilson per my recent visits.

His support staff is very friendly and helpful.  I'd still recommend dealing direct with Doug...at least that's what I do...but it's not a one man show.

On a recent visit, Doug wasn't there yet and the other guys set me up in the reference room when I mentioned wanting to hear the Maggie 20.7.  The 20.7 were already setup yet, and after listening for awhile, they offered without asking if I wanted to hear the 3.7i to compare.  

Rarely do you get unsolicited offers to swap big speakers out...especially to less expensive ones.

You may not get online level pricing, but Doug will only sell stuff that he believes in.  In fact, he wouldn't even sell me a 3.7 when they originally came out and directed me to the 1.7.  He didn't like the 3.7 until the recent 3.7i update, so he wouldn't sell it.

You can also get great used gear at his shop - typically ARC.  Again, don't expect an eBay price, but it's worth paying a little more for his support and testing of all used gear before it gets sold again.