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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
corelli
1,066 posts
 
I can only guess that "Uncle Kevy" has done very well for himself.  How in the world do you explain someone who is so arrogant, offensive, and condescending to his own CUSTOMERS!!  Maybe it's a case of forgetting to take ones meds--I don't know.
But I do know this.  There are many fine folks in our hobby to do business with.  We have tons of choice and this guy hardly has a monopoly on anything.  So exercise your choice.  That is, unless you need to be beaten down  so you can be Uncle Kevy worthy.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Oh my!  (Said in my best Sulu voice)

aolmrd1241
1,046 posts
 
8)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nSKkwzwdW4
timlub
2,044 posts
 
This is an odd thread.  I had assumed that the intent of the op was to warn everyone of his experience.  I'm not so sure of that anymore... To be fair, this to all,  I don't know Kevin Deal... and all of us Audiophiles are crazily opinionated.  So with that, I can see Kevin having that reputation. It doesn't necessarily mean that he is a bad person or that he was intentionally trying to deceive someone.  I've seen a dozen or so people tell rbogartr to call Kevin,  we've seen Kevin reply on a different site.  It looks as though a refund of $300 was offered in lieu of taking them back...He also says that he tried 3 times to contact rbogartr. So does that mean the Kevin has the right to deal with someone with arrogance or belittlement? Absolutely not!  rbogartr started this thread and then just let it run wild.  Since it was taken to a public forum, it might be nice to see if rbogartr has done his due diligence to properly wrap this up also rather than turn this into an attack. (of course it could all be warranted)
@rbogartr     I worry a bit about killing someones reputation unfairly,  that may not be the case here, but it would be very nice to get an update about your conversations with Kevin?
miketuason
337 posts
 
Sometimes people meant well, but it's how they say it.
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