have you ever bought stereo without listening first

@lobinero - If you are making a major purchase from someone on the verge of retirement. Definitely ask if he is selling the business to anyone (who will support his legacy equipment). If he isn't, ask for schematics and parts list so you can provide to any technician who may work on your stuff in the future. Why would he say "no"?

I too am an average guy. I don't have the best and the latest, but I have patiently and carefully put together my systems over the years to arrive at a sound I am happy with and proud of. I live in the Canadian north, several hours of driving from proper hi-fi dealers. With that, I've bought several gears online, sans audition of course. I had to rely on reviews and feedback too. Anyway, if I didn't like a gear's place in à particular system, I sold them back. 

my first system was back in the early 70's when 4 chanell was in. i bought a marantz 4 chanell reciever and 4 marantz speakers and the gerrard zero 100 turntable. i later stepped up to the marantz 4300 reciever, 4 bose 901 series 2 speakers and a pioneer pl-51 direct drive turntable. the only one i auditioned was the 901's!! i still have the 901's today!!!

I grew up in L.A. and always had a plethora of hifi stores to haunt and harass.  It's something that got me to fully expect an in-store audition.  Now that I'm 3000 miles from anything more audio-oriented than an Office Max, I rely on audio mags and websites like this and I never, never get something that I must jump through hoops to return.

Try living in Alaska!  Most of the time.  AGon has been very helpful.  I have to read many posts, consider the source, etc.  Also try to find good used when possible to limit exposure.  Not disappointed yet.  Ok, one PC was so stiff I can hardly use it in my gear.