Brian Hoyer / In-Tone / kasa

OMG! People, only finding this thread now.  Number me among the victims and I’d love to connect with you all.  I too had a transaction for a significant sum, paid in June, and Brian has now gone dark.  

Specifically, I paid him $12.5K via EFT for an integrated amp on 5/25/23 after viewing his positive reviews, talking with him on the phone, and verifying he was connected to Linn. Since then he never shipped and has become increasingly elusive/non-responsive and finally going radio silent on like 9/15/23.

I'm a very patient and compassionate person and with a modicum of transparency and clear communication I could have waited.  Over the past 4+ months we have had loose communication where he'll commit to sending it and then have some excuse about something coming up and doesn't. Around 9/15 I finally came to the conclusion I'm being scammed.

That said, I’ve been doing this stuff for 20 years and this transaction has been unlike anything I've ever had on this or any platform - particularly for a sum of this size.  I’m not terribly well off and this is an enormous financial hit but has also shaken my faith in my judgement and trust in others. I contacted Linn, FTC, and BBB. And like you said, it seems Linn and Hoyer have parted ways and they’re not taking responsibility for any of his actions.

I’d love to chat with any other victims and discuss the experience, actions taken, and possible recourse (although options seem limited).   Devastating seems a little hyperbolic but it’s close.  Feeling super angry and I guess kind of violated.  Like I said, would love to connect with other victims.

Audiogon Community,

This situation is deeply disconcerting and I am just learning about this today. Historically, my store manager, Bri West, and I have extended invitations to Brian Hoyer and his wife, Laura, to visit our devAAudio showroom, fostering a spirit of camaraderie within the audio community. We firmly uphold the belief that dealers should engage in cooperation, raise awareness, and cultivate enthusiasm for HiFi. To further this objective, we have collaborated on multiple events in the past.

I am profoundly shocked to learn of the current circumstances. Brian Hoyer is an experienced audiophile, with a long-standing history in the industry.

For clarity, it is imperative to state that devAAudio does NOT maintain any business relationship with the Hoyers or Linn Kasa. In response to this distressing news, I have instructed my team to promptly remove any social media posts associated with Linn Kasa from our platforms, as we have a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior.

I earnestly hope that all parties involved can identify appropriate legal remedies for this regrettable situation.

Sincerely,

Deva Chandramohan, Owner

devAAudio

11812 Roe Ave.

Leawood, KS 66211

I've had a mixed experience. I bought a Majik DSM amp and speakers and even got a discount. Laura and he came and set it up and we've been friends since. I gave him my old Lp12 to be serviced, he held it for 7 months and did nothing but remove the baseboard. I got it back after complaining to Linn partially dismantled and missing the drive belt. I also think he damaged the tone arm board, but can't prove that. Anyhoo, I decided to upgrade to the Majik LP12, paid for it and then nothing. Contacted Linn, who have been very good as they were taken by surprise I think, who said that they hadn't received payment. Brian did respond to me saying it took 14 days for a credit union check to clear, which I know isn't true but finally said he'd sent the money. Linn say they still have received nothing. As soon as the Linn Kasa page went down I contacted the police who now have his contact/bank information as well as a paper trail of our correspondence (having worked for law enforcement in the past has its perks it seems). I believe he's now looking at multiple felony theft/fraud cases and I would assume he will be arrested soon, and probably Laura too, as they're easily trackable. It's a shame because I genuinely considered them friends. I'm waiting to hear back from an attorney about a lien and a private case as I don't know what the max in small claims court in MO is. He does have a nice new white Mercedes SUV that I'm sure he can part with. I do wonder what's happened to the Linn systems that were in his apartment. 

What brings someone down to theft? Drugs,alcohol,gambling? All the above? 

Finances.