Upscale Audio and Primaluna

Based on my long term experience in audio, lots of characters in this field of endeavor. In early days easy for me to take offense at perceived slights, over time I learned to listen and react in a curious manner. Knowledgeable and courteous responses to seemingly arrogant behavior sometimes brings these guys down off high horse and into interesting discussions.

As for Upscale, I have Prima Luna Dialogue Four amp diy mods Takman resistors and various boutique caps, while not my favorite amp, mostly because push pull vs. SET, holds its own against my Art Audio Carissa Sig. Coincident Turbo 845 and custom 300B monoblocks. Nice build quality, mostly point to point. I had issue with bad power tube blew out some resistors on bias board, Upscale head tech worked with me, sent out replacement board pronto. Also, purchased a Musical Fidelity integrated from them, great deal. Never had any issues with anyone I've interfaced with there.

life's too short to listen to assholes trashing your gear.  Click

My experience is that this dealership led by Kevin it's not really customer friendly
The snotty pompass attitude it's not gel with me very well as you can see with many other people
As far as primaLuna Nice stuff but overpriced

A few years ago, I talked to a guy at Upscale Audio once regarding selling my vacuum tubes collection.  

Same type of attitude as the OP had with UA.  He basically tore down my tube collection, implied that it was all worthless, lower than whale excrement.  

Two days ago, I sold my collection to a reseller.  Not a reseller like Upscale Audio, but a real down to earth guy trying to make an honest living.  

I'm officially retired.  Moving out of CA to another state with lower property taxes.  Goodbye Upscale Audio, you'll never get a penny from me.  

Other than that, nothing wrong with Upscale Audio or the owner.    

Synopsis:

1) Kevin deal can be a POS, pushy salesman OR the nicest, technically savvy, honest and helpful guy there is. I guess it depends on his mood.

2) Upscale Audio is a reputable, class A+ outfit that sells at honest prices and provides excellent customer support OR its a sales first, customer last outfit that should be avoided. I guess it depends on personal experiences.

3) PL gear is a high end line, robustly built, sanely priced, and better at there price points than higher priced competition OR shouldn't be compared to true high end equipment (albeit more expensive). I guess it depends on your ears.

Personally, I've had good experience with PL. I wanted to buy my PL Dialogue Premium preamp direct from them but Kevin suggested I support my local dealer. I watched Kevin's video on tubes and his description of the differences I would hear between different EL34s were spot on. If you believe the videos, he only sells tubes that have a high reliability and avoids those lines that have a high failure rate. The EL34s I bought from him came matched, tested, and burned in for 72 hrs at now additional cost. I even got a 15% discount offer on future purchases. 

As far as my preamp, I couldn't be happier. Lovely, heavy remote and if you dont like the appearance of PL gear, just remove the tube cage and it'll look like almost every other tubed preamp.

J.Chip