I bought my entire +$30K system online without auditioning at any audio store. I’m 74 years old and I don’t have the energy to drive to Denver for two hours and drive back after what would be hours of auditioning I would hope. There is one hi-fi store in Boulder. Not many choices of equipment and full retail +Tx at Listen Up. Ugh
I did buy Zu speakers! (Not too popular here) Yes you have to pay to return them, but they let you keep them for a while I bought the Soul. They were great, but I wanted something better, so I traded them in for a pair of Soul Supreme. Paid shipping only to return them. The new-traded speakers were shipped free as I remember. Could be wrong on that. They have a very generous no fee trade-in program. and great to work with.
Electronics, including phono, pre and amp are all from Aric audio. Without audition. I bought the Pro-Ject carbon 10 EVO Table from Music Direct, I think. I researched hard. I shopped hard and bought everything at a discount online for about $22K. Everything, cables, SUT, phono, cartridges, all without audition and online. Nothing is used except one pair of cables. Don’t forget the NOS tubes from Brent Jesse. The entirety of my system was purchased on-line, on-line trying anything. I’ve not been disappointed with anything. And never traded anything in or had to resell any of these components except an ion Audio preamp.
I must admit this is a very fine system. It does take work to do it. You have to do a lot of research. It can be done!
Good fortune to you on your quest!
Bent