The more replies I have read, I can understand Upscale not being aware of the tweeter, although some dealers may have hooked them up, as they were out of the boxes. But there is no excuse for the appearance, unless it was mentioned in the online ad. The dealers I have dealt with would have called, and asked if I still wanted them.
I have to agree with whoever posted about verifying the serial numbers. And I would find out if they have an inspection protocol. If they tell you there is no way they left the factory like that, then were they demos, where one may have been exposed to the sun, sitting by a window, or are they used?
I don't know anything about this speaker, what retail is, but I have to agree with the others, see if you can return them. If not to Upscale, maybe the manufacturer will help you out. It would be good advertising for him if we read that he stepped up.
For tubes that are currently being manufactured, another words not NOS, check out Cyroset. I bought a pair of EH 6H30s and I got excellent service, quick shipping, and good timely, friendly email replies.
Over the years, I have recommended Upscale, due to their tube selection, I will have to add a buyer beware to that. I did buy a DH Labs toslink through them, but did it through the website.
I think you have received a lot of good advice, now you have to decide what direction you want to go in.
It sucks that it happened. Good customer service is why places like Audio Advisor and Music Direct are so successful. I have to wonder if Kevin realizes how much potential business he has lost, with just this one bad transaction. For everyone who posts, there are probably a couple of hundred who just read it, and now will never consider Upscale when looking to upgrade.
