Hi Fi Dealers in NYC - where to find them?

I'll second Al's recommendation for Take 5 Audio. Ralph the owner was exceptionally pleasant and helpful in late October when I was there auditioning speakers - to the point that although I ending up purchasing speakers elsewhere, I am buying their demo Ayre C-5xe CD player to top off my new system.

I spent 2+ hours in his main listening room checking out Wilson Sashas and Revel Ultima Salon 2s, and another half hour with him in his office discussing my room and plans. At no point did I feel pressured, rushed or that I was being spoken down to, even though this is the first "audiophile" level system that I've assembled. It was a 125 mile drive for me, and in retrospect I'd drive twice that far to deal with someone as knowledgeable and as good a guy as Ralph.

Good luck,
Pete

+1 on Stereo Exchange downtown, and Sound By Singer (appointment only nowadays I think though).

I find Lyric too snooty to bother with.

Lyric, Innovative Audio, and Stereo Exchange are all well established dealers. I think Park Avenue Audio may still be around, too, but it's somewhat more of a mid-fi store.

The stored referred to in Schipo's post is Lyric - they can sometimes be fine, and other times be obnoxious. Bob Herman's not a bad guy.

Sound by Singer has recently reopened on an "by appointment" basis only. Andy Singer can be obnoxious and arrogant.

Ears Nova is also by appointment.

CSA Audio in Montclair, NJ, is a friendly bunch of guys who are knowledgeable and have a lot of good product.

Audio Doctor in Jersey City, NJ, is very knowledgeable and has good product.

The most interesting store in Manhattan in my opinion is MSS HiFi, which is a big used equipment dealer. The owner, John Boey, is a character, but he often has great used equipment at bargain prices.

People selling luxury goods in New York City are often going to be obnoxious and have attitudes - in their defense, they deal with a lot of arrogant, entitled customers.

I live in NY and went to all the high end dealers . By far, the best customer service I received was at Audio Connection in Verona, NJ. It's about 45 min from Manhattan. Ask for John Rutan. Nick is the turntable guy there. Remember that each store carries equipment from different manaufacturer. Also, no one mentioned Park Ave Audio which is decent.

The audio life has not been lived until you have visited Lyric in NYC on Lexington Ave. You will never buy anything there but the opportunity to be 'audio abused' is well worth the trip. Ask for Mr. Kay. You may be able to hear the subway running if you go to the basement. After your Lyric visit, rush downtown to Andy Singer's new place. Andy will refresh your case of 'audio abuse'. But be warned, Andy only deals with investment banker types with budgets of at least half a million.