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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
jea48
2,944 posts
 
dill  277 posts                                                              03-25-2017 10:08am

Kevin Deal has responded today over at the Audio Asylum.

https://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/vt.mpl?f=speakers&m=354793

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Richard has not responded to me. Let’s get them back

I don’t have time to go through this thread. Very simply, several people looked at these speakers and did not see the difference in finish. If we had, I would have never let them leave. It would be a really dumb move.

Having said that, I don’t doubt he sees it in brighter light than we had. Of course I will take them back. This isn’t an issue. Or give him $300 credit as that’s what it will cost to ship them back here. I also have another customer contact me and said he wants them which is a cheaper shipping solution for us.

I called Richard twice yesterday,and his voice mail did not answer. He could have simply called me from the beginning, as we have a toll-free number. He also does not respond to the e-mail I sent recently sent him.

I’m not monitoring this thread. He needs to simply e-mail me and I will send him a shipping label with my apologies.

slaw's avatar
slaw
5,785 posts
 
Kevin Deal has got to be a TRUMP MAN!
jetter
1,035 posts
 
Sounds like he is going to do a full refund.  Unfortunately most likely Op eats shipping.
slaw's avatar
slaw
5,785 posts
 
"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.
flippinjaz's avatar
flippinjaz
11 posts
 
I would never post a bad purchase on a social site before I tried to do all I could to remedy the situation. Having your own business I would think you would have the same consideration if someone had a issue with your work. I think it is a bad decision on your part.
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