i'm from nyc, but i was a raver back then. i went to raves held in some of those places, but those nights weren't representative of the clubs; they were one-night things. the raves in nyc were great . the rave scene out here gets a big thumbs-down from me, but i won't get into that, 'cause you seem to be a clubber. i did see danny tenaglia at sound factory for a thanksgiving eve once, and the vibe was really negative. too many people who were there spending too much time trying to be "better than" and too few nice people. i complimented a girl in the bathroom on her shirt and she just shot back the most evil look... out of the rest of those clubs i've only been to the roxy, and that place is just the nicest space. i've always thought it's so beautiful there. but i've only been there for one-night things, so i can't tell you what its equivalent is out here. sorry i can't be more helpful . i will say, however, that, on the whole, partiers (ravers, clubbers, everyone!!!) are just friendlier here, in my experience. it's easier to strike up conversations with strangers, and, at the few clubs i frequent, it's not about posing; it's about having a good time .