Thanks for the responses. Although I am only 2 hrs from the city, and am very familiar with it, having lived there years ago, I am not able at this pouint to locate any stores that carry most of the top end boards. I would hope there are some, but am not sure.
I am also a licensed radio amateur, and although I am no longer as active in the hobby as I once was, I can recall years ago having to drive to Northern Connecticut and central Pa just to try out gear beacuse there wasn't a single store in The metro NY area who had the higher end gear. I hope this is not true with the arrangers as well.
I did see the EM2000 at a Sam Ash store, but noone there had a clue as how to operate it.
Maybe I will wait til the PA80 comes out as well and try it ( if I can find one .....)
Thanks again
Al M