Buy tubes from Audio Research or not

I would avoid Upscaleaudio..... period. Go through ARC. I tried to upgrade tubes in my VAC integrated amp, and Upscaleaudio basically told me to take a hike, Kevin said he would not sell me his precious tubes.....they were too good for my VAC. There are enough reputable tube sellers out there that I do not feel I have to kneel at the altar of Upscaleaudio just to buy some tubes.....life's too short to deal with dweebs.

Cheers,
John

My story with Kevin at Upscale Audio is that I was looking for some primo 12AX7's for my VAC integrated amp. I placed a order on-line for a 'Platinum' pair of Pope's at $250 each. So he calls me the next day and says my VAC is a tube burner, and not good enough for his special Pope tubes. Funny thing is I've had this VAC for 6 months now, and it has not burned through any precious NOS tube I've put in it. I've currently had Telefunken's running for 4 months and counting....no issues. He was not rude, but basically told me that he was saving his precious Pope's for customers that bought gear from him. My question is then why advertise them to the whole public on your website? If they're not for sale, they're not for sale....if they are for sale, they are for sale. There should be none of this "you can order them, but you cannot have them" attitude.

Life is short, and I don't care to be jerked around. As someone who has over 30 years in this hobby, I have no time for clowns like Kevin Deal. Sorry Thsalmon, but one reaps what one sows.

Cheers,
John

03-06-09: Rgurney
Mr. Deal may not suffer fools gladly and has chosen to totally avoid the hassel of retubing a particular amp which can be problematic for those inept at it.

After over 30 years in this hobby, I do not feel like a 'fool' or 'inept'. Whether Mr. Deal has 'vast' knowledge of tubes is highly debateable....it depends on who you talk to. IMHO, it is the 'fool's' and/or 'inept' who succomb to Kevin's 'vast' knowledge.

Certainly overwhelming volume could be an excuse for ignorant and/or obnoxious behaviour. Most folks know that the salesman who is the fullest of 'BS' will attrach most of the volume, whatever the field.

'Figures Lie and Liar's Figure', as my Daddy once told me. Hey, if you buy what he's shoveling....enjoy it. I don't buy it, and have talked with others who are immune to his BS as well.

Again, life is too short for me to bother with a dude who says the $250/per 12ax7 tube (not matched pairs mind you) listing fee which is posted on his website, for all to see and buy, is not for the common man like me.
Pardon me....would you pass the Grey Poupon?

Cheers,
John