have you ever bought stereo without listening first

Like many others have noted here, I also do a lot of research / review reading if I'm going to purchase audio equipment blindly, without in person audition / listening. 

I bought my Zu DW's blindly, mostly because of the rave reviews and the modest return policy (60 day in home trial). Great sounding speaker, huge improvement over what I previously, still very happy with these speakers.

After reading many reviews, I'm about to do it again, leaning towards picking up a Rogue Audio Sphinx, but that purchase my be a "used" piece that I pick up off of the Audiogon classifieds. (I missed out on a few GREAT Sphinx deals the past few weeks, keeping my eyes open)

From his reputation, it sounds like if you were going to follow the recommendation of someone, John Rutan of Audio Connection is the right person.

I have purchased everything unheard. I used to rely on specs and now, as millercarbon stated, I rely on sound impressions from multiple sources, if they are available. I would love to have a pair of Tyler Acoustics Halo speakers, but there isn’t enough information out there. I will probably go with a pair that have user and professional reviews. I live in a rural area and trying to sell used equipment is a hassle.

I live an hour and a half from any place where I could listen to any systems so I basically bought everything unheard. I did know from past experience what to expect as I had owned older versions of what I bought many years ago. I found a dealer that would work with me, offer a discount and ship for free. I made one salesman a very happy guy I know. My quest was to listen to a cd collection of 500 I had kept stored away but had little time to listen to them. After retiring I decided to go crazy again and I did.....! I will not go into what my system is as I do not want to get slammed here for what I should have bought. Bottom line is that I am very pleased with my system and my "perfect" speakers.

I was able to listen to my first pair of good speakers before I bought them. Almost everything else, the opposite was true. The integrated amp was the biggest leap for me, probably due in part to it being a big leap money-wise as well. No regrets.