I only called Upscale. One time only and talked to Kevin. He was quite rude and conducted himself as a smart ass brat. After we could not agree on a number in which I thought he was way out of line, he kept calling me back with a few dollars off , saying is this how you want to haggle?
He probably needs someone to bring him down to earth, or have his ....beat.
Well, I said I talked to Upscale one time and will never again. |
In my opinion Kevin can be a bit arrogant and at times acts like he is talking down to you rather then to you but that attitude should fit right in with some audiophiles because they are not operating much different. This again is my opinion and I don't meen to imply that he is dishonest nor involved in poor business practices. I think a class in customer relations could fix this. |
Well, I am not the one slandering a salesman and company here. However, below is my experience:
But during the course of my interaction there were some hiccups with the unit I bought not having everything included in the box (sealed by the manufacturer and my payment (due to reading my card number over the phone). Kevin was very helpful on both accounts. |
"I am not sure your motivations for this thread, but your implication that Kevin at Upscale Audio is not ethical needs some evidence to back that claim up. Otherwise, it is slander. Let's stay away from irresponsible accusations shall we?
For the record, Kevin and the other folks at Upscale Audio have been more than helpful when I purchased from them.
Roscoeiii (Threads | Answers | This Thread)"
I'm just curious as to what type of proof would satisfy you? Also, its only fair that you back up your claims with some proof as well. |
Stereophile and TAS are more on the up and up than most of the internet review sites, which is where the true sleazebags live. |
It could be serendipity. A couple of units go out for review, reviewers talk, one wants to be first in getting it out, and wouldn't you know, two reviews of the same unit at the same time.
Or, one unit is making the rounds, one reviewer sits on his review due to whatever, and Bob's your uncle.
It had to happen sometime.
All the best,
Nonoise |
When looking for speakers(18 months ago) Upscale had NOS Opera speakers discounted. I was interested in the NIB Seconda. In my email I asked if they were firm on the price, the reponse was that's a strange question? I had no idea that bartering was strange, offensive? Months later I sent 2 emails regarding modestly priced tubes and never got a response. |
Roscoeiii .... Dead tubes... No return...notice, I said DEAD tubes . |
Goldenear1948,
I am not sure your motivations for this thread, but your implication that Kevin at Upscale Audio is not ethical needs some evidence to back that claim up. Otherwise, it is slander. Let's stay away from irresponsible accusations shall we?
For the record, Kevin and the other folks at Upscale Audio have been more than helpful when I purchased from them. |
Back to the OP's question. I doubt that Kevin threatened to pull advertising.
The PrimaLuna amps have gotten great reviews from just about everyone. I don't think it odd that both magazines would review PrimaLuna's latest.
I think it has been clear since I started reading these magazines that they review certain brands more than others. As long as you understand that you are getting an opinion in reviews, not God given truth, you'll be OK. |
Kevin was nice on the phone when I called for tube info once...and I don't criticize his good fortune in "review land" or Primaluna gear in general...it is merely worth being Ever Vigilant and an both an opportunity for smarmy self righteousness and another plug for Jolida. |
Mr M- Had those tubes been defective; they would, no doubt, have been replaced. I could be wrong, but- I don't believe any tube vendors offer a return, based on customer's tastes, or the way the tubes(NOS or new, anyway) sound in their system. At least; I've never heard of one. The tubes would then have to be sold as, "used." Vendors would not stay in business for very long, if they had that policy. |
I like the Prima Luna stuff I have heard, no contrary opinions from me on the reviews, but it does seem odd, the timing.
On Upscale, I have had 75% positive experiences. I called for something else and was talked into buying a Cary Audio SLP 98P F-1, with all of the bells and whistles. I got a great deal, and I'm sure he was glad to get it off of the shelf. When it came there was a serious problem (which turned out to have an easy fix), and he got me on the phone with Cary Audio and got the unit shipped to them and fixed in a hurry. That is one of my all time favorite sounding pieces, and it's still in my system. I have referred several other Non-Audiophile friends to Upscale as well, and all were treated well, and have very positive experiences.
But, when I was doing some tube rolling, and bought some expensive tubes from Upscale, that did not meet the described sound. I was left just SOL, with no return. I had to sell them myself, and took a not insignificant loss. I don't buy tubes from them anymore. |
Based solely on my experience with their tubes; the quality, testing procedures, knowledge base and customer service, of Upscale, are second to none. Kevin's attitude, at times, less so. Whether he has the juice, via his many ad $$$, to coerce TAS? Can't say/hope not. They HAVE reviewed most of what PrimaLuna has built in the past, though. |
Goldenear1948, it seems as if you are starting to figure out who's behind the curtain. Kevin is not alone back there, the glossy rags have served their masters (advertisers) well for decades now.
All of the reviewers today remind me of Julian Hirsch's writing in Stereo Review in the 70's and 80's. "Of all of the speakers that I have listened to in the last 20 years, these XXXX speakers are certainly one of them." LOL!!! |
I bought a used Primaluna and he always was nice to me answering questions on the phone. I bought some tubes from him and had some bad ones and he quickly sent replacements |
I too own Jolida.I didn't say kevin was ethical..... |
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. |
I saw both of those reviews and sort of thought the same thing, and Tellig even said he gets all his tubes from Deal. I say buy a Jolida and save a couple grand (!). Disclaimer: I like Jolida, own a 502P, and have talked to everybody at Jolida MD at least twice for almost no reason...they don't update their website, don't run adds anywhere I've seen (except for the United Home Audio tape decks), and (except for a semi recent FX10 review) are utterly ignored by reviewers, except when somebody notes 'em at a show someplace. Makes no sense, but that's that. |
