have you ever bought stereo without listening first

I will post a review once I get it. I am pretty convinced it will match well with my speakers. One piece of news that concerns me is that David Belles is retiring.The Virtuoso line is considered his best work.  I wonder how is this going to affect parts and service?

Wow, a lot of nice comments. I live 2 hrs from any reputable High end store. I also relied on reviews and personal references like  from J. Rutan who I admire for his 30 yrs of experience in the business. That gives me some sort of confidence. Is that feeling you get when you are talking with honest sellers. Regardless, I believe that High end stores are not easily accessible except on the big cities. Maybe times and economic pressures are driving a change. There is a lot you can buy on the web and some allow for  audition at home and return for a small fee if at all. This might be the way for a lot of us. Personal audition is the ultimate test, but I have to agree with one comment, sometimes it sounds better in the listening room than at home. Here is what I can deduce when buying without auditioning, If you can talk to some one that have put together equipment like yours, they have a better idea what are good combinations and give you meaningful advice. at the end is your budget that decides. thank for all your comments.

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.