Recomendation for apt renovation

I went to NYBK and they wouldn't see me without an appointment and architect. The other 2 had bad reviews. I'm surprised about Knockout's recent bad review. They used to have a store front on the Upper East Side and had a good reputation.

KNOCKOUT
Here's the latest Yelp Review:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/knockout-renovation-new-york
I've never heard of a contractor refusing to allow you to order your own stuff. I just discussed what I was planning to purchase with my contractor during the design phase. I ordered the sink, faucets, and appliances myself as there was no real difference in the pricing due to my own contacts.

CARDINAL
Bad reviews recently: http://www.citysearch.com/profile/7158158/new_york_ny/cardinal_kitchens_baths.html

NYKB saw me and gave me an estimate without architect. Seem good , but alittle pricey.
Knockout does not pass the contractors discount on appliances/materials so... they out out.

Any other recomendations, comments.

Also doe anyone have a recomendation for blown-in insulation for soundproofing a wall cavity?

I am surprised Knockout does not pass on the discount, are you doing the purchasing or did you want the contractor to buy all the finishes? When a client buys everything for themselves I always pass it on but if I am responsible for purchasing between the purchasing, delivery, checking the orders, taking care of the returns, etc, it does take a lot of time. I have a person on my team and her sole responsibility is take care of ordering and everything that goes along with it, so i have no choice but charge for that.

We just used a company called Eco Rite insulation on an extension on a roof which they had to blow the insulation up to the roof and they did a great job. Thats the only time we used them but you might want to give them a call