have you ever bought stereo without listening first

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.  

That is really a good question, lobinero. Here is my Nickels worth-
You'd think that a town big enough to have the current Super Bowl Champions would have some decent 2 channel audio stores. KC doesn't. None of my gear that I presently own, did I have the chance to audition. I purchased my equipment solely on recommendation (Nelson Pass, Sean Casey, Terry London) and reviews/ Audiogon. Here is what I put together, most used, demo, open box or refurbished.

Pass Labs XA-25 amp
MicroZOTL mz2 preamp
Mytek Brooklyn DAC
Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena
Rotel RCD-1072 CD player
Marantz tt-15
Hana SL- new
REL t5i
Zu DW speakers with Druid Mk 4 drivers
Zu Event Interconnects- new
Zu Mission PWR cords
Furman power strip

My last purchase was the MicroZOTL mz2. (UPS delivered on Saturday) Wow!, this thing really sounds good. It has great synergy with the Pass XA-25. The sense of space/air/openess is remarkable. Could this piece be the audio equivalent of drafting Patrick Mahomes ... (sorry had to throw that in).

I have several pieces that did not make the present line up. A Supratek Sauvignon that I am determined to do some tube rolling with and re-insert in the line-up. I also have an Audio Research LS-3.
The biggest lesson I've learned in audio is about synergy. Some good quality pieces, just don't sound good with other good quality pieces.
Yes, having a good HiFi shop in town would have made this much easier. For the money I have invested, I would have been farther along in the journey.
Sound quality wise collectively... I'd say these dogs will hunt!
Oh!  Forgot to say IMHO

Any comments?