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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
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
Even Kevin's photos show the dullness of one speaker compared to the other. In the first photo, the duller one is in front of the shiny one and it's plainly obvious. How he could miss it is beyond me. I hope the new tweeter goes a long way towards your listening pleasure.

As for the bad side, speaker placement can go a long way towards hiding it from regular sight lines. Best of luck.

All the best,
Nonoise
oblgny's avatar
oblgny
738 posts
 
I have bought and sold a pretty good amount of products here on the 'Gon from other guys like myself who sit around in our underwear scratching our asses all day.  I have yet to have a bad experience, let alone an experience that couldn't be worked out. 

Don't like the cut of that man's jib!
steakster
720 posts
 
I have purchased well over 1K in tubes from Kevin. This purchase took me over the 10K mark with Upscale Audio. OP
Let’s not forget the OP’s $10K in purchases. Isn’t that a factor in this business relationship?
The tweeter we didn’t check because we never used these speakers in the store that I recall. Kevin Deal., Audio Asylum
Before the speakers were packed, couldn’t somebody check to see if they worked? Doesn’t the showroom have demo systems set up?
If he has an issue with the type of finish a speaker might have he shouldn’t buy demos from across the country. Kevin Deal, Audio Asylum
Let’s not forget pride of ownership. The mis-matched paint job is very obvious in the OP’s photos. Also, it’s obvious in Kevin Deal’s photos that the window reflections on the high gloss finish is camouflaging the actual discrepancies. Those pictures were simply for shipping insurance purposes.
"The listing on my website was a mistake at $2499. They were supposed to be $2999." Kevin Deal, Audio Asylum
Besides not noticing the bad tweeter, the mis-matched colors and the bad clear coat - why not add the price tag, too. Very impressive.
carmenc
293 posts
 
With great dealers like John @ AC, Alan @ Audiowaves, Taylor @ Goldprint.....why buy from this idiot!?  I know because he sells Acoustic Zen.  Perhaps look at a different AZ dealer or look for a different speaker.  Let's face it despite some of the accolades given to Kevin @ UA, he really is an idiot so why deal with him?  He's not the Zen of tubes like many think he is.
miketuason
264 posts
 
I once talke to Kevin a few years ago for the first time and after I told him what system I have, he  immediately put down my system and he made me feel like I wasted my money and should have bought from him instead. I have McIntosh system and Vandersteen speakers that is love very much. I also have a Friend that received the racist impression by Kevin from Upscale. 
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