Would you buy speakers with out first listening ?

I bought my first used speakers on Audiogon after always buying new. I never expected to buy without auditioning the speakers first. It was a fairly expensive purchase. It did not work out. While the speakers are I'm sure excellent, they weren't in my setup. Synergy of amp and speakers is critical and sometimes elusive. I did my research extensively, emailed owners etc. I had to sell them on Audiogon and take a loss. Now I've got new speakers on the way. Bought the top of the line from a speaker I owned before. I know what to expect from these speakers. If you don't mind the risk and are willing to face re-sale on Audiogon, then buy without listening. But with big speakers of 150 lbs or more, I doubt I'd do it again.

based on experience: never again.

bought merlin VSM-Ms and soundlab U2s w/o hearing them first. never warmed up to either, despite their reputations and proponents.

heard my current WP6s years before i bought them. buying them was the best purchase i've made (tied w/ a kenwood KT8300 tuner for $60 and a Wavac SET for $2k)

Bought Spendor S5e's without listening. Match perfectly to my Naim system as everyone had indicated they would. Couldn't be happier.

Yes I have numerous times and finally stopped with the Merlin VSM-MX. As there are no dealers in Ontario, Canada I really had no place to audition them.

Pdreher

Thanks for the heads-up...not in the market at this time though.

Dave