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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
br3098
997 posts
 
I'm just reading this thread now, and I have to say that I am neither shocked or surprised by rbogartr's experiences with Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio.  Needless to say, I am not a fan and will not do business with Kevin.

Several years ago I was interested in acquiring a tube amp, specifically a Manley Stingray.  Upscale is the local dealer for Manley products.I had the money burning a hole in my pocket and called Upscale on Saturday to see if I could make an appointment for that day to listen, although Upscale is approx. 80 miles away.  Got Kevin on the phone and he asked me my name, which I gave him.  He then responded that he didn't know me and he knows ALL of the audiophiles in the L.A. area.  Kevin then asked me which other dealers I had bought from, and if I had ever purchased any gear on Audiogon.  I thought the questions were peculiar and rude but I answered his questions honestly.  Kevin then told me that he didn't have time for guys who bought gear on Audiogon and he hung up the phone on me.  This is absolutely a true story.

To reiterate what others have said in this thread and on others, there are lots of good, caring audio dealers that appreciate and serve their customers in the manner that they should be.  Life is too short to buy from bad audio dealers.

joey_v
668 posts
 
He's a bad dealer, I don't even know why he's a dealer as he gives off that he is grumpy or that he's doing you a favor.  

I recall one instance where I had him on the phone inquiring about some Pope 6sn7 tubes.  He didn't know that I had purchased some Cary F1 components in the past which he modded.  

His response, "I have 2 customers here in demo room, I don't have time to be answering your questions about tubes."

Then he proceeded to laugh.  And he hung up. 

Such an a$$.  

He is the worst dealer I have ever dealt with.  Nothing of mine will ever come from UA.  Ever.
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,226 posts
 
Joey he did that to me once , I felt he does not care to sell me tubes, So 10 yrs later ,I gave him onother chance, I emailed him, and sold me a nice tube for my preamp...
corelli
1,018 posts
 
there are many really nice people in our hobby

THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM
rcprince
3,076 posts
 
I have not read through this thread in its entirety, but unless I'm missing something it seems to me that one of these speakers has a manufacturing defect (like it or not, high gloss finishes like this add to the price of the speaker, so they are part of what you pay for and thus should be covered by the manufacturer).  Have you spoken to the manufacturer about fixing the defect?.
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