[valvesnvinylfan]

Much of my hifi and home theater gear I've purchased sound unheard because there simply aren't very many local dealers who carry what I'm looking for, or it's really the only option. For example, I bought the Fi X I had this way because that was the only option (straight from Don Garber), and no one around here carries the Rethms I had either; I just figured I read enough feedback from reviewers and users to make an informed enough decision and they were exactly what I thought they'd be.

I actually work for a manufacturer who sells direct via internet and, while I think we make it convenient and hassle free with our in-home audition and free shipping both ways, it seems the majority of our customers still buy a lot of their ancillary gear in-store. So I guess I'd say both heard an unheard before buying seems to work quite nicely. 

Plus, I just bought a pair of Neat Vitos sound unheard, and woohoo! They're everything I hoped they would be--and much more

[valvesnvinylfan]

Oh yeah--and pretty much anything from Lyra and VPI I'd buy in a heartbeat sound unheard. I've always loved the way their stuff makes music

[Parnelli777]

Soundlab Majestic 945 or 845.

If I hadn't heard it already, I'd have to give the nod to the Avantgarde Trio with Basshorns or Shorthorns. In 25 years or so of hearing all kinds of systems both mild and wild in a half dozen showrooms, I'd have to say the Avantgardes come closest to what its all about.

For sheer value/performance alone–the Magnepan 20.1 could make me happy for a long time

[Brian Walsh]

Soundlab Majestic 945 or 845.

I like your thinking and am looking forward to getting a pair in the coming months.