Demoing speakers in LA area?

Ambrosia is no longer in Bel Air - They were sold to a home theater group and are now in West Hollywood. I believe that they still carry a good selection of equipment, though. In your area, Upscale is very good as is Brooks Berdan in Monrovia. LA Audio downtown aslo has an interesting selection.

You could also try Optimal Enchantment on Santa Monica Blvd. in San Monica. The owner, Randy Cooley, has been there for over 30 years and is great. It is best to call for an appointment. (310) 393-4434.

You might want to check out Tonian Labs in Glendale. They make some very good speakers using a Fostex full range driver and their own super tweeter. When they demo'd at the Arcadia VTV show, everyone asked if the sub was turned on. It wasn't. It drew in people form out in the halls. I sat there, dumbfounded at how good the sound was for the price. I had just bought some speakers for $200 less than what the asking price was and kicked myself in the butt all the way home. They go for about $1500 and seem worth every cent. That should leave you with more than enough for the rest.

Brooks Berdan, LTD in Monrovia. Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica, be aware that parking can be difficult here. These are probably the two best sources close to you as far as friendly, knowledgeable owners go.
LA Audio on Western in Korea Town has one of the largest selections of the most brands in LA but, you won't get the personal treatment that you get from the first two.
Upscale Audio is not very close to you but, has a very large selection and often there is no waiting for shipping. You pretty much need to know what you are looking for when dealing with Kevin, though. Because he does so much mail order he sometimes is short on time and can be difficult to work with.
Brooks is very personable, and knowledgeable. There is usually a large group of guys just hanging out and talking audio at the shop on Sat. There is no pressure to buy and all questions are welcomed. Plus, he delivers and sets your system up as part of the purchase.
Randy is also very personable and knowledgable, witha good ear for music. His loyality to equipment brands is very narrow but, it is based on his own listening skills and taste. You won't find the brand of the month there.

i'm a customer of all three dealers above and they are all great. upscale has the biggest selection. call him see what he reccomends then go in for a listen. brooks and randy cooley are awesome, although brooks usually has guys hanging around that make it hard to listen. may i also reccomend katli audio in chino hills. lots of gear in all price ranges. super guy with A++++ ears. best deals probably from kevin at upscale or fred at katli.

aloha keith