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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
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.
knghifi
1,668 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.
Well, maybe majority of customers never had the privilege getting  mistreated and disrespected ordering online without directly interacting with Mr. Deal?

I've bought NOS tubes and cables off Upscale website and never experienced any problems.  

It's time to re-tube my ARC REF250SE, always bought tubes from ARC ... debating saving $2k getting them from Upscale.   Now this thread got me thinking ... what IF I encounter an issue and have to interact with Mr Deal.  Is it worth $2k?   Hmm! 
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,024 posts
 

It is so clear in the pictures that the two speakers are different colors and the one has a hazy film in the high gloss. It's really hard to believe that anyone with normal vision didn't notice this before they were shipped to the customer.

I bought a couple of NOS Telefunken 6922 tubes for my DAC from Kevin a couple of years ago. It wasn't a very cordial transaction, but nothing out of place. This should be a full money back situation, not a $200.00 refund.  

skipping
30 posts
 
Thank you rbogartr for revealing your misfortune.  And for the others that have brought to light the condescending attitude of this dealer.  I have purchased tubes from Upscale Audio before, but I will no longer buy from them in the future.  I'd much rather deal with a person who appreciates my dollars spent.   
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I bought a couple of NOS Telefunken 6922 tubes for my DAC from Kevin a couple of years ago. It wasn't a very cordial transaction, but nothing out of place.
Bad online store, bad boy ... need a new Webmaster.  LOL!!!
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