2. speakers
  3. 128977-88422

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
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!!!
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
952 posts
 

I would ask for a full refund, including shipping costs. It is very good of you to try to make the best of this, but why should you have to bear the burden of this headache when you clearly did not get what you paid for?

Short of a full refund, if you were fortunate enough to pay through PayPal or a credit card, pursue a remedy that way. I had to do it once when a dealer failed to make good on a defective CD player. Those protections are there for a reason. If the dealer will not work with you, use them to get your money back and then let him arrange shipping of the defective speakers back to him. This should be his problem, not yours.

Just my two cents.
More to discover