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Very Bad purchase from upscale audio Acoustic Zen Adagio

This was not my first purchase from Kevin Deal at Upscale audio. I am a entry level audiophile. My PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP and Dialogue Premium Preamplifier have given many hours of enjoyment. I have purchased well over 1K in tubes from Kevin. This purchase took me over the 10K mark with Upscale Audio. I am not a rookie to audio or tube amplification. I have had a successful tube amp repair and design shop since 1993. 
My concern.
Here is the description of the Acoustic Zen Adagio from Upscale audio's website.
This pair of Adagio's from our demo room are also the last pair of Adagio's in our inventory. The Adagio is such a sweet sounding speaker and is perfect for those who really like to get inside the music. The pair we have are in the stunning Figure Red wood finish. The baffle style is the original (and better sounding) non-tapered baffle, as pictured. Price $2499.00 plus shipping
Ok.
I called Kevin and talked to him on the phone.  I asked him if he would entertain an offer. I told him that I had seen the same speakers offered on Audiogon and Audioasylum for considerably less.
He said I am a retail store and back my products. He also said this and I quote " Those people are just guys in their underwear scratching their asses." I am a store.
I trusted the description of the speakers and I trusted Kevin.
Total price. $2839.  $2499.00 plus $340.00 shipping to NC.
The speakers arrived and I couldn't wait to unpack them and hook them up. The packing was great. My anticipation was greater.
Left speaker Tweeter DOA. The same speaker had a shameful reject finish.  The lacquer was so clouded you can hardly see the wood figure. The back of the speaker was loaded with black specks under the lacquer. These speakers are seconds, rejects. I sent Kevin Deal 4 emails referring to the fact that this really was a bad deal.  It has been 3 days and no response.
On the other hand Robert Lee ( Owner of Acoustic Zen)  responded immediately to my email asking for help with the DOA Tweeter. I sent it off next day air to him and today responded that it is on it's way back  to me.
Somehow Kevin Deal's Train ran off the tracks so don't ask for your money back

rbogartr
bigkidz
3,392 posts
 
Robert Lee resolved that.  Did you send the serial numbers to Robert to see if these were factory seconds?

Second file a claim in your state in small claims court against Upscale Audio.

Happy Listening - sorry for your loss.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Robert Lee resolved that. Did you send the serial numbers to Robert to see if these were factory seconds?
I was wondering the same thing ... how did it pass AZ QA?  
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
Had a bad conversation myself with Kevin . Did not enjoy the 5 minute lecture . Self awareness is missing from that guy .
bob_rodgers
38 posts
 
I've dealt with Kevin a few times and he's always had a condescending attitude. Not sure why he's successful. Maybe customers like to be mistreated and disrespected.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
"I've dealt with Kevin a few times and he's always had a condescending attitude. "

I called him once regarding a specific tube I was looking for. Nothing bad but he seemed a bit blase, that was my impression and I decided I didn't want to pursue further.

His comments regarding this matter on the asylum are most telling to me. Nothing bad but it certainly reveals, to me at least, his mentality about this whole matter from the mistake in the advertised cost to his conversation with the OP and his reservations. I don't feel he acquitted himself as well as he might have.
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