I'd second the above two suggestions. The Red Rose stuff has always impressed me as being what this hobby should be about. Another place with good equipment and nice folks in Upper Montclair, NJ is CSA Audio, 973-744-0600, 193 Bellvue Avenue. Mike O'Keefe, the guy who turned me on to tubes and analog, has recently rejoined them and done a nice job setting up their high-end showroom, bringing back analog to that room with a nicely set up Nottingham table (probably one of the few places around you can hear that table).
Planning audio audition trip to NY/NJ, vendors???
I am planning on burning some winter blues by jumping in the car, leaving NE Ohio and traveling east to Philly, north NJ or NYC to audition some audio gear. I'm looking for everything, CDP's, speakers, amps, etc., for various room sizes, future upgrading, and general audio knowledge/experience etc. I'm looking for your help on some good retailers to visit in these areas, hopefully some vendors that I could have a buying relationship with in the future. Would appreciate your positive experiences.