The internet contributed to the near-death of the Brick and Mortar audio shop that you and I remember from the 70's. If you want to actually hear and see a wide range of different high end gear, go attend one of the larger audio shows. I am sure there is something not too far away from you, in LA or Vegas or somewhere else near the west coast, that somebody here could recommend. Also, with the direct to buyer model adopted by some manufacturers there are greater opportunities to try stuff in your own home/system that you could return (sometimes with a restocking fee) if it doesn't work out for you.
Nowhere to hear speakers and amps anymore!
When I started buying stereo equipment in the 1970’s (yes, I’m old) in Seattle, there were many retail stores where I could hear and compare equipment. I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1982 and found the same number of great stores until 2000 when they started disappearing and now there are none! There are plenty of Home Theater contractors, but I can’t find an audiophile store anywhere short of going to LA or back to Seattle! Is there an “audio desert” in my area? Seems like an opportunity for someone! Am I missing something?