have you ever bought stereo without listening first

It's almost impossible to audition a phono cartridge in a meaningful way before you pay for it, in my experience. All the other components I have 'bought' without hearing first have had a reasonable return policy. Luckily, few have had to be returned because, like many others have said, I research the hell out of stuff.

PS. I have been to Audio Connections many times and I respect their experience and opinions. Don't worry @Iobinero, if your not delighted; John will make it right.

OP, you made me think. Of everything that has passed through my hands over the last 40 years or so, only one item had a real demo (and a public one at that at a large dealer in the UK) - the original Kef Reference 105. I was so impressed I brought a pair to the States when I emigrated, and still have them, but not in use. All of my subsequent speakers were bought without audition (PSB, Quad 2905, KEF 207/2, and Stax headphones). But as my mind runs in small circles, I tend to move up the chain with manufacturers I have known. For instance a college roommate had Quad ESL57's which put me on the Quad path, and the KEF 105s lead to the 207s. Everything on the electronic side was after reading reviews and info on audiophile web sites, or being in the right place at the right time picking up demo or clearance equipment locally, hardly ever with a demo. But I had done my research at least, and what I bought turned out fine, with only a couple of disappointments (both were CD players).

I have a lot of respect for Belles. I still own one of the first amps he made, the Belles A, and it has stood up very well over the years (aside from the habit of welding the switch contacts together at turn on). It will drive into 1 ohm loads.

It is my understanding that he still makes his gear himself, so you are getting a potential collector's item.

All my recent purchases were based on a combination of personal experience with similar products from the same manufacturer, or recommendations from highly regarded sources. Examples:
Pass Labs XA60.5 (had an XA30.5 first)
Goldenear Triton One.R (had the GE Triton One)
A-T ART9 cartridge - Audiogon forum recommendation
Modwright tube-modified Oppo 105D (familiar with other Modwright mods)
Manley Stingray - had not heard it, but bought used from dealer, so no risk
every one of these purchases worked out well - especially the Manley.

Based on all the opinions and past experiences I have read by the readers, I need to agree that there are 2 common factors when buying stereo you have not previously audition. 1. information you dig from the net and any other sites including reviews and gurus'. 2. information you obtain from people that have actually audition said units. These can be audiophiles, friends and vendors you trust. Although personal audition in your own system is not always possible, there must be a certain level of confidence to buy. I do remember my previous stereos were a combination of audition and "faith"

LP12 - auditioned
Wharfedale bookshelves - auditioned
Counterpoint SA 12, Pre amp SA1 and Phono Pre amp - "faith"
Thiels CS-2 - auditioned
Rogue Cronus Magnum - auditioned
Vandys 2CE sig - auditioned
And the new system will keep the Vandys but will consist of
Audible Illusions Pre amp M3A and Belles Virtuoso power amp ,currently in construction with a big "FAITH" attached.