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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
leotis
183 posts
 
In my experience Kevin can come off as a little gruff sometimes. But he is very knowledgeable and tells you what he thinks. Doesn't bother me. Better than having a guy who just tells you whatever he thinks you want to hear. I've gotten some excellent deals from him. Some of his pricing is pretty good. Charges a little more for tubes but you know they won't be duds.
Anyone who thinks they can definitively judge the finish on those speakers by looking at those pictures must have deeper powers of perception than I have. Pretty sure Kevin didn't apply the finish. If it's a problem blame the manufacturer. Think it's kinda lame to start a crusade on multiple forums against Upscale on the basis of "color not absolutely perfect, finish not absolutely perfect."  And no way Upscale knowingly sends out a speaker with a dead tweeter. All the bashing here is out of hand, especially given the nature of the complaint.
corelli
1,002 posts
 
Yea, if ya spent 40K you should expect MORE than fair.
silverlakejim's avatar
silverlakejim
7 posts
 
Sorry to hear about this situation. I bought a used amp that was used from Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio. When I alerted him that the amp was defective he was a total gentleman, apologized, and had me send back the amp... no hassles. I'm sorry this was not your experience.

dimora's avatar
dimora
61 posts
 
This thread is not the first where I have read about negative experiences with that person and business.  I won't be shopping with them.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Its a shame that it ever came to this. And I understand the OP’s situation is not just being discussed on this forum either.

Without taking sides, Mr. Deal should have just offered the OP a full refund as he obviously had an unhappy customer. Then this unfortunate incident would have never been brought to light in a public forum read by other potential customers. And the high end buyers market is simply too small for any dealer to get this kind of press.

The internet can make or break you because this isn’t the 20th Century anymore. And it favors the buyer. If I was a dealer, which there are a few on this board, I would paying close attention to this. Bad press gets out quick so don’t let it get out.
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