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have you ever bought stereo without listening first

I just placed a down payment for a Belles Virtuoso 200wpc amp. Its not in their website, I believe is a new model just put in production. Following Audio Connection,John Rutan's recommendation and pairing it up with an Audible Illusion M3A preamp and Vandys speakers. I believe its going to be a good combo, but has anyone listen to this amp?
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boss302
110 posts
 
I bought the original Soliloquy 6.3 speakers in I think 2003 unheard. The square corner not rounded and silk dome tweeter. Every other piece of gear and cables has been replaced but the Soliloquy's remain. A good review.
http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/revequip/soliloquy_63.htm

jkf011
291 posts
 
Yup. Pretty much everyting except speakers the last 20yrs as all the audio businesses have either transitioned to custom home theater and don't demo anything, only sell super high end and carry very little stock, sell online only, or have gone belly up. I had to drive 2hrs to listen to my speakers before buying. 
glupson
7,842 posts
 
Unexpected. So many responses in the "did not hear it first" camp. I thought it would be just the opposite.

I bought only one pair of speakers hearing them first, and that was by chance. Heard them, liked them, bought them. Everything else was based on looks and features, I guess.
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,618 posts
 
Once upon a time, no.

Of late, yes.

The overall quality of the majority of equipment has risen to the point that only 'nuance' has become the variable.  Generally, the space it exists within has become the major issue...

But I can't hear dog whistles either, so no huge loss imho....
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Only 1 pair of speakers in 86
cerwin vega d-9’s

 1812 overture, woofers really moves some major air!
bouthe on the spot.

 About every other component bought unheard.

never been disappointed
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