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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
rpeluso
1,067 posts
 
Stringreen, you will not recall but many years back, before you moved west, I asked you about your Vandy 5a speakers, and you offered I come over for a listen, I never did but ended up getting a pair (John Rutan, of course), and your post here of a personal nature reminded me of what a kind, caring and decent person you seemed then, and apparently that assessment was and is correct.  My sympathies.

Richard
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,770 posts
 
"good customer service"  from Music Direct? I have my own stories to tell.

Their shipping department is horrible!!

Go forth and be at peace... (I keep telling myself)


audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,192 posts
 
Do one of two things , if you paid PayPal they will back you .
or inform your credit card company ,you were scammed product not 
as described and speak with a supervisor get  a name and case number for 
who ever deals with the claim.  This way you are covered and 
tell him also you will put in a claim with BBB which if he does not respond 
then first get money  back  if bought on credit card you can get Shippjng  both ways if on PayPal I doubt he wants to get shut down. Take pictures for sure.
best of luck
aolmrd1241
1,042 posts
 
I bought a preamp from Kevin with a trade-in. The transaction was painless. When I told him how much I wanted for the trade-in value of my item,he said it was to low a number and increased the trade-in value to what he thought it was worth. I would do business again with Upscale Audio.

With that said... I feel Kevin should refund rbogartr's money to make things right.  
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