Stephen, thank you. I just tried it but came up with nothing useful, I'm afraid. I looked in category "Audio" and all types of retailers within 50 miles. It returned twelve Circuit City locations (they only sell Denon, Sony, and Audio-Technica turntables) and four home theatre stores. I called each of them and between them all they offer only Sony, Denon, JVC, and Marantz turntables.

But one of the ones I called gave me a lead to a home theater shop in Plano that sells Pro-Ject and VPI turntables and other high-end gear, so I'll probably go check them out.

Quote:

Took me less than 10 minutes to come up with these. The Internet is a wonderful resource. Learn how to use it.

Don't waste your energy on my behalf jackfish if you plan to be an ass about it. I'm adept at using the internet, thanks. Also, read more carefully before you post. I'm asking for references to stores with particular qualities, not merely the names of stores that might sell audio gear.

I did search. I used google. I didn't come up with anything *worthwhile*. Your list is hardly more useful than what I found. Texas is a big state, in case you weren't aware. Austin, San Antonio, and Houston are nowhere near Dallas. Austin is the closest to me at 215 miles. That would hardly be a local store, would it?

The first four of those in your list also come up on the Stereophile dealer locator. I called them. Those are the ones that sell only Denon, Marantz, Sony, JVC.

You did find three that I didn't find in Dallas, so I'll acknowledge your search prowess, but it isn't an answer to my question, unless you are recommending one or more of them based on your experience.

It occurred to me to check the websites of the vendors whose products I'm interested in. Some have dealer locators or contact info at the US distributor's website for locating dealers. The US distributor for Rega, in fact, is in Dallas.

It's not as good as a referral from someone who has experience with a particular store, but it's still a big help because it narrows down the number of places I have to call and visit.

Quote:

Quote:
Don't waste your energy on my behalf jackfish if you plan to be an ass about it.

Sorry, this ass will try to be more helpful next time and butt out if he doesn't have something worthwhile to contribute. He gets a little ahead of himself sometimes, please accept my apology.

I know a couple of good places in Minneapolis if you are interested.

Apology accepted. Thank you.

I also apologize for the acerbity of my response. It was rude of me. I hope you'll also accept my apology.

Quote:
Marvin Electronics in Ft. Worth is a great place. I have bought lots of gear from them in the last 25 years and they treat me very well. Even when I was young, dumb, and broke instead of just dumb they are fine folks. They are on Hulen Street about two miles south of I-30. Ask for Steve.

Thank you shade, I'll check them out. I lived in Fort Worth (actually White Settlement, then Benbrook) when I first came to this area in 1980. I wish I could remember the name of the shop on Camp Bowie where I bought my Sansui amp and Technics turntable back in '80. They were very nice too, and they could still be around.

In case anyone else in the DFW area cares to know, I decided to go to Audio Concepts at Preston and Forest first, as they are nearby and they sell Rega equipment, which I plan to audition.

I stopped by yesterday, and I was favorably impressed with the store and the sales person I spoke with. I am returning there this coming Wednesday to audition a Rega P5, with R5 speakers and Mira integrated amp. I made it clear that all I am buying initially is a turntable, but that I'm interested in upgrading my entire system over time.