taters, this one really hit a chord... Way, way back when, growing up in upstate NY, I stumbled onto Stereo Sound in Schenectady (I was already driving so could go wherever). They had phenomenal stuff and there was one sales guy there who was so knowledgeable and patient and eventually helped that kid buy Dynaco and then my Advents and then everything just grew from that. Later (way after college) I moved to SE PA and there were several shops (the HiFi House chain, etc.) in the area. I probably (no, definitely) spent way too much time and money in those places. My ongoing acquisitions were cut back just a bit as all those places have eventually closed. There are still a few alternatives in the area but to me they're nothing like those original shops - those are sorely missed.