what would you do?

It would be nice if you put all 3 of your post into one detailed post.

One and half years ago you bought a Cary V12i from Upscale Audio as per your sales receipt.

Fast forward to today. You want to sell your Cary V12 and you discover that it is fact the previous generation Cary V12 without the “I” inspired circuit.

A year and half is a long time. Who is say that you didn’t sell your V12i and trying to scam Upscale with a story about an older V12? Not saying this is the case, but you must respect the retailer’s perspective. Ideally, Upscale will have both serial numbers in their inventory and can figure out what happened.

Upscale Audio is a respected dealer. I have bought equipment from Kevin and would recommend him to others. There is always two sides to every story. Good luck.

Elizabeth, as much sense as that makes, I get the feeling that accountability will be lost on on our friend.

Ask if they'd upgrade it to a V12R due to the oversite.

A V12 is marked V12. V12I is marked with an I and a V12R is marked with an R. How did you and/or your friend not know for a year and a half? No one looked at the serial numbers or the faceplate? It's probably too late to do anything now, but maybe you could get them to spring for an upgrade to a V12R. They're a very nice amp, but run very hot. I'm just not sure how the consumer and the seller both dropped the ball. Best of luck.