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
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.  
Post removed 
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,773 posts
 
I'm leaning towards Team one.
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,773 posts
 
either way, somehow you don't feel good about what just took place.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jji666
538 posts
 
1.  I vote that this looks like sunlight damage.  One speaker placed in a spot that got a lot more sun than the other one.  But that wouldn't explain the run on the finish -  a second, independent issue with that speaker.

2.  I think that Kevin Deal is neither the angel nor the devil as various posters have characterized him here.  He is clearly very knowledgeable about audio and tubes.  But I had an experience with UA that caused me to hesitate about future purchases as well.  Looking for some 6DJ8/6922 tubes and Kevin had some 7DJ8 tubes that he claimed to be fully compatible.  The words from that offer are seared into my brain:  "Trust Uncle Kevin on this one."  So I trusted, and bought, and of course they didn't work -- were destroyed in-- my BAT VK-3i.  The story gets a little more complex from there since I did make the mistake of ordering a second set (different brand of 7DJ8 tubes, same claim on UA website) thinking it was a one-time event.  Those blew as well. Viktor at BAT asked me why I even thought they should work. Kevin actually did ask me to send the tubes back and he tested and sent me back the portion of the order that were undamaged.  But he never refunded me for the first set, which in my mind he clearly should have.  So, experience somewhere in-between.  

My take on the guy is that he intends to be honest and he is knowledgeable but if you veer from his particular logic stream he is enough of an ego guy to be difficult in that situation.  I think it is more of a matter of learning how to "deal" with him if you want the benefit of his knowledge and products.  
More to discover