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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 2 responses by timlub

timlub
2,043 posts
 
This is an odd thread.  I had assumed that the intent of the op was to warn everyone of his experience.  I'm not so sure of that anymore... To be fair, this to all,  I don't know Kevin Deal... and all of us Audiophiles are crazily opinionated.  So with that, I can see Kevin having that reputation. It doesn't necessarily mean that he is a bad person or that he was intentionally trying to deceive someone.  I've seen a dozen or so people tell rbogartr to call Kevin,  we've seen Kevin reply on a different site.  It looks as though a refund of $300 was offered in lieu of taking them back...He also says that he tried 3 times to contact rbogartr. So does that mean the Kevin has the right to deal with someone with arrogance or belittlement? Absolutely not!  rbogartr started this thread and then just let it run wild.  Since it was taken to a public forum, it might be nice to see if rbogartr has done his due diligence to properly wrap this up also rather than turn this into an attack. (of course it could all be warranted)
@rbogartr     I worry a bit about killing someones reputation unfairly,  that may not be the case here, but it would be very nice to get an update about your conversations with Kevin?
timlub
2,043 posts
 
Previously I had jumped through this thread reading comments here and there..... I just went through and read the entire thread and found where rbogartr posted on the very first page that this was too stressful for him because he recently lost his wife....He lost $500, but was still looking forward to getting the replacement tweeters and enjoying his speakers.... I'm sorry that I missed that portion rbogartr and am truly sorry for your loss... I can't imagine losing my wife.... I do want to encourage you to still contact Kevin and at least take the $300 refund that he offered.  I can see you not wanting to deal with it, but it appears mistake or not that the cabinet issue was not exposed.  You never know,  he just may want to make it right and it would be better for all.... good luck, I hope that you have family and friends around you in this tough time.... Tim


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