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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
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.
dill
815 posts
 
Well, at the end of the day I think both parties could have handled it differently, however bottom line, the OP got a pair of excellent sounding speakers, used (demo is used), with a list price of $4500.00 for $2839.00 delivered. If Deal pays him $300.00 that brings it to $2539.00 delivered. Now, in a followup post by the OP he says: " I figure I paid about $500.00 too much for these speakers." At this point, they are only 200 bucks apart. Seems like a ballpark deal to me.
hgeifman
1,193 posts
 
rbogartr, As noted by Upscale Audio above, please call them ASAP and resolve this issue.  The ball is in your court!!

This issue should be closed.   

slaw's avatar
slaw
5,785 posts
 
"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!!!

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