Kevin gets the

The timing of the two reviews at competing sites sure seems peculiar.

he has always been courteous and quite helpful...

Always? Years ago then, I must have phoned him on a bad day. I never forget my impression of dealers.

I'm grateful for the free exchange of opinions we still have on sites like Audiogon etc.

No offense, but not quite an accurate statement.

Upscale Audio is a successful dealership that obviously has staying power in a volatile industry.

Roscoeii, and others, there is almost never a "consensus" when audiophiles discuss any subject in these or any forums. But, there is an obvious tendency of the owner of Upscale Audio to allow his personality to become somewhat abrasive and less than courteous in his communication style, depending on his mood at the time. I am certain of that. That was my experience, and others have commented here and elsewhere.

There are also plenty of nice guys in audio who get written about frequently in the forums.