Very Bad purchase from upscale audio Acoustic Zen Adagio


This was not my first purchase from Kevin Deal at Upscale audio. I am a entry level audiophile. My PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP and Dialogue Premium Preamplifier have given many hours of enjoyment. I have purchased well over 1K in tubes from Kevin. This purchase took me over the 10K mark with Upscale Audio. I am not a rookie to audio or tube amplification. I have had a successful tube amp repair and design shop since 1993. 
My concern.
Here is the description of the Acoustic Zen Adagio from Upscale audio's website.
This pair of Adagio's from our demo room are also the last pair of Adagio's in our inventory. The Adagio is such a sweet sounding speaker and is perfect for those who really like to get inside the music. The pair we have are in the stunning Figure Red wood finish. The baffle style is the original (and better sounding) non-tapered baffle, as pictured. Price $2499.00 plus shipping
Ok.
I called Kevin and talked to him on the phone.  I asked him if he would entertain an offer. I told him that I had seen the same speakers offered on Audiogon and Audioasylum for considerably less.
He said I am a retail store and back my products. He also said this and I quote " Those people are just guys in their underwear scratching their asses." I am a store.
I trusted the description of the speakers and I trusted Kevin.
Total price. $2839.  $2499.00 plus $340.00 shipping to NC.
The speakers arrived and I couldn't wait to unpack them and hook them up. The packing was great. My anticipation was greater.
Left speaker Tweeter DOA. The same speaker had a shameful reject finish.  The lacquer was so clouded you can hardly see the wood figure. The back of the speaker was loaded with black specks under the lacquer. These speakers are seconds, rejects. I sent Kevin Deal 4 emails referring to the fact that this really was a bad deal.  It has been 3 days and no response.
On the other hand Robert Lee ( Owner of Acoustic Zen)  responded immediately to my email asking for help with the DOA Tweeter. I sent it off next day air to him and today responded that it is on it's way back  to me.
Somehow Kevin Deal's Train ran off the tracks so don't ask for your money back

rbogartr

Showing 11 responses by slaw

Based on my personal experience W/ KD... but more on what transpired in (order) regarding this post.

I'll cast my vote for the OP, every time!

REMEMBER. The pictures don't lie. The initial posts by Kevin Deal, don't change, now that he's seen the light).


"At the end of the day"?

What difference does this mean, now?

There should not have been someone else, not involved in THE original purchase exclaiming, "at the end of the day"...

If the SELLER had been upright, from the outset, there would have been no need to have handled it differently.

flippinjaz,

Having my own business...I would not have had THIS issue to begin with!! Hel-oo!!!

"I'm not monitoring this thread", (another lie),

Kevin, his wife just died.  Why would he answer your e-mail now??

You - uching A&&hole.

Now your upping your anti.. $300.00?

You should CALL him with the sentiment you'd have us all believe you want us to think is your normal business philosophy.
..of coarse the problems with the finish didn't occur at the show room floor..

Duh........


"good customer service"  from Music Direct? I have my own stories to tell.

Their shipping department is horrible!!

Go forth and be at peace... (I keep telling myself)


"If he has an issue with the type of finish a speaker might have he shouldn't buy demos from across the country". WOW!

This quote from Kevin Deal, after he had time to process all of the posts made, is outrageous!

I've had a couple of issues as well in the past. Sorry for the OP's reason for posting. Glad the sellers' views are now public record.