have you ever bought stereo without listening first

Because audio salons can't make money like they used too. In the '80s when I sold high and mid fi retail and bought my stuff there and from similar mom & pop shops (in Cincinnati and Atlanta) their margins were always razor thin. Now non-existent unless you are in a very rich area (which most of us aren't). Even in Nashville, with all that money and music, there used to be dozens until the early/mid 2000s. Now: 2 and both small. 

I heard that amplifier driving the new Vandersteen Kento's at the Audio Connection right before the lockdown. Nick and I listened to vinyl and the system sounded really good. The system was using an Audio Research Preamp and phono stage with a Clearaudio Ovation turntable and the top of the line Hana cartridge. One of the few systems I've heard where the speakers just disappeared. All of the Belles amplifiers I have heard sound great. John wouldn't steer you wrong. Good Luck!

It helps to establish relationships with dealers and other audiophiles you trust. For example I talk with Rutan every now and then, trade texts of album covers to exchange music, etc. similar other relationships with dealers in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Seattle, Santa Monica, San Diego, Atlanta.... you get the idea.
Other audiophiles I trust means for the most part we have heard each others systems and are able to recognize and communicate virtues and weaknesses. Blessed as I am, those number about twenty. After this €£%#??? COVID-19 passes, make an audiophile buddy.
then there are people who I have been to unamplified event in a reverberant space with... we share a very common reference ( and often the music files or tape ) Finally there are people you trust who systems, ( with some common components!! ), !musical taste, lack of ego etc make them sources. Some manufacturers are approachable- I am fortunate to have a connection with Richard Vandersteen ( OP he engineers for a relatively easy load and Belles is if anything over engineered - you have nothing to worry ! ). Manufacturers tend to run in a group so you will see Ayre ( Charlie RIP ), Aesthetix ( Jim ), Brinkmann ( Helmut), AQ ( Bill ), etc run in a bit of a pack - sharing some design principles ( for example DBS, no global negative F/B, built in first order low pass on amplifier, etc) So understanding those relationships is helpful.
Do some work, of course there is a Herron to audition 62 miles from me. I know this because I asked Keith. I bought my Triplaner without hearing it first, based on much of the above. Have fun, enjoy the journey and the music.

Yes I bought a system from soundex
in Pa mid 90s
ibought Aurial 10-T speakers cat signature preamp, markLevenson amp
And 36 cdp,transparent ultra cables and power cords and it sounded fantastic. And got 20% off with no tax .i had to drive over 200 miles to pick it up 
but was well worth the trip 
for around $28k cash. Around 2000 I bought an MBL System 
and Kharma model 1 speakers a superb sounding system .imoved to the UK and had my own Audiostore for 8 years .it has been fun ,now I buy Quality designs and just modify them much bigger bang for $$ spent.for much less.

Yes I have...though I have only purchased items that I could return for a full refund within 7 days.

My experience has been positive and in one case I returned the integrated amp because it didn't provide the appropriate volume - I do listen to music on the louder side.  (And I was a Field Artillery Office like the character Bob from Good Morning Vietnam).

In April, I arranged to have a 7 day test period for a McIntosh C2600 and the improvement in my listening enjoyment - sound quality and functionality - was dramatic so I kept it.

Its your money and your listening experience - take some calculated risks.  Your listening room is the best place to understand if the performance of new kit is worth the investment.