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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
hgeifman
2,135 posts
 
Rbogartr,  One hundred and forty one (141) Audiogon members have made comments and suggestions regarding the tweeter and finish problems with your Acoustic Zen Adagio speakers.   It was an amazing amount of useful information that I hope you found useful.    

In summary, I believe the major suggestions included a cash refund, speaker refurnishing or return the speakers to the retailer.  

Have you decided what you are going to do?  Please let us know.
Post removed 
miko71's avatar
miko71
75 posts
 
So you spread this "bad deal" all over the 'net without even trying to resolve the problem?  I've bought tubes from Kevin and he's always treated me right. Wow.. I feel sorry for your next victim...
chrshanl37
835 posts
 
Seems to me that it was only because of the threads that Kevin responded. Did I miss something? 
timlub
2,039 posts
 
Previously I had jumped through this thread reading comments here and there..... I just went through and read the entire thread and found where rbogartr posted on the very first page that this was too stressful for him because he recently lost his wife....He lost $500, but was still looking forward to getting the replacement tweeters and enjoying his speakers.... I'm sorry that I missed that portion rbogartr and am truly sorry for your loss... I can't imagine losing my wife.... I do want to encourage you to still contact Kevin and at least take the $300 refund that he offered.  I can see you not wanting to deal with it, but it appears mistake or not that the cabinet issue was not exposed.  You never know,  he just may want to make it right and it would be better for all.... good luck, I hope that you have family and friends around you in this tough time.... Tim


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