Good stores in LA

Check out Digital Ear in Tustin, CA, they have the top shelf gear you're after:

http://digitalear.com/

Stereo Design in San Diego also has top stuff:

http://www.stereodesign.com/

Sunny Components in West Covina, CA has good stuff, but the owner is very difficult to deal with and he's by appt only, so the hassle may not be worth it.

http://www.sunnycomp.com/

Jay at Audio Revelation (San Diego) and David at Weinhart Designs (Beverly Hills) carry Magico and have good reputations, but they are by appt only.

Brooks Berdan is probably worth a visit, and from the comments above, they seem to be one of the more approachable dealers around.

Upscale Audio in Upland, CA have a great reputation among tube enthusiasts, but I don't think they do walk ins or appts really...

Brace yourself for some serious LA HiFi attitude, most times it's not pleasant dealing with dealers, but a necessary evil if you want to enjoy and explore this hobby...

Weinhart Designs also has the new Magico M5s. Listening to the M5s alone would be worth a trip to LA...

San Diego, Tustin, Upland, Monrovia, Ventura, West Covina...

Guys, the OP is in LA for a short visit. Do you think he's going to drive all over
Southern California to visit audio shops?

"Do you think he's going to drive all over Southern California to visit audio shops?"

Since there are slim pickings in LA proper he doesn't really have any choice if he wants to achieve his desired objective.

... he doesn't really have any choice if he wants to achieve his desired objective.
Narrod (Threads | Answers)

I haven't read anything specific about his objective other than wanting to stop by a couple of LA's top stores.

Anyway, driving all over Southern California's freeways wouldn't be my recommended way to enjoy some free time in LA.