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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
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Seen images of OP and speakers definitely don't look like they should be sent back. I did not visualize peeled off lacquer or drastical color mismatch. Tweeter has been sent and partial refund offered. Many buyers and sellers would share same thought.
With this discussion in mind, I would suggest purchasing only from retail location where you can actually pick up pair that is perfect and matched.


rja's avatar
rja
2,377 posts
 
I checked the photos, the speakers definitely do NOT match. One speakers finish is clearly milky compared to the other. This would definitely bother me.
IMO: OP is justified in feeling this situation needs to be rectified.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,488 posts
 
I wish you only the best....when I lost my wife, it seemed that was the end for me as well..... very gradually the sting lessens....the sadness will always be there, but those wonderful remembrances with her will take precedence. Good luck
529proaudio
18 posts
 
I called this company just a few days ago ready to part with about $3k-$4k and it took all of three minutes of talking to this Kevin guy to ensure I would never give them a nickel of business. He was rude, condescending, and clearly an egomaniac. Not surprised that he is implicated in this unscrupulous deal. If I were you I would have my card company charge it back to him and send the defective speakers back. ASAP. 
rsf507
2,352 posts
 
Several years ago I called and spoke with Kevin and it took me all of 5 minutes to decide I'd not do business with him as well. As others have said he came across as egotistical and just plain not friendly. 

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