Upscale Audio is up front with customers


I have not bought from Upscale before but have enjoyed their videos. The approach Kevin Deal is taking with his customers is really up front and honest. A good model for how to communicate in audio, and in general.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV0oswlwx2M&ab_channel=UpscaleAudioHighFidelity

hilde45

I have had some good experiences with them, but I'm disappointed currently. I bought an item which (I learned after the fact) isn't in stock and it's taking weeks.

Kennyc: "It's refreshing to positively support audio experts and their body of service vs taking a magnifying glass on a oops then blowing it out of proportion."

Exactly! And UA's body of service is 30+ years! 
 

O52rc: "Nothing I said was insulting or out of line, and he just hung up on me. I understand that for him, an $8000 preamp is a nothing sale given how much business he does ..."

No retailer hangs around 30 years by hanging up on an $8,000 sale. If you weren't "insulting or out of line" maybe you were just wasting his time? I'd hang up too. 
 

I bought Meadowlark speakers from him back in the early 2000s after several pleasant and frank conversations; I've bought tubes, I've bought gear, I've had conversations with him and reps there that were informative but didn't result in a sale, with no hard feelings. Don't mistake "No-bullshit" for "Nasty."

 

 

 

I've never had any issues with Upscale. Spoken with Kevin many times over the years and he's always helpful and pleasant.  Maybe once he wasn't but never rude.  I shrugged it off because I'm sure his patience gets tried daily and he's human.  I couldn't imagine dealing with the public as long as he has. Overall, we've had some lengthy conversations. I appreciate his honesty. Kevin runs a very good business and not many like Upscale anymore.  They have always helped me out with their customer service professionals. Hopefully they continue to survive successfully.  

Newflash: A/V stores that try to sell you power cords, esp. at $5000, are not "really up front and honest." They are part of the snake oil scum that's destroying this hobby. Educate yourself before falling victim to BS marketing, and those who perpetuate it.