Upscale Audio

I-SIG
I-SIG Posts: 2,243
edited March 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
I know Kevin has a pretty darn good rep, but I gotta vent a little.

How does he expect me to to say yes to a major purchase ($3k, maybe more) without actually knowing what the final price is going to be?

I'm ready to spend some good coin, but not blindly. :confused:

Wes
Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2008
    Maybe a little audio snobbery at play? I dunno, maybe to him $3k is pocket change...stick to your guns and get an exact price.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,570
    edited February 2008
    Did you call or email him?
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited February 2008
    Shop around, then tell him what price you're willing to pay.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2008
    I called direct and spoke with him. I can understand not giving a price for everything over e-mail.

    I did tell him I was willing to spend $3k, maybe more, but I guess that wasn't good enough. I am shopping around, believe me.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,570
    edited February 2008
    Hmmmmmmm
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2008
    F1nut wrote: »
    Hmmmmmmm

    Yep...

    It was on some "show piece" Cary gear and Cary is supposedly raising their prices by $500 or more according to him. What that has to do with open box items I'm not sure but...

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited February 2008
    my two cents, I spoke with him a couple times in the past, I agree with you. he gives me the impressions that he doesn't need my business. And, he would asked questions that has nothing to do with the subject I am calling about. I was sensing that he sort of *qualifying* the seriousness of my intent to purchase (as in don't waste my time if you are just shopping around)*. I ended up driving to San Diego, and bought it from the other guy, who are more willing to patiently answer and let me auditioned his merchandise. Hey, if you are going to spend that kind of dough, you deserve a bit more service, no?
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2008
    polkatese wrote: »
    my two cents, I spoke with him a couple times in the past, I agree with you. he gives me the impressions that he doesn't need my business. And, he would asked questions that has nothing to do with the subject I am calling about. I was sensing that he sort of *qualifying* the seriousness of my intent to purchase (as in don't waste my time if you are just shopping around)*. I ended up driving to San Diego, and bought it from the other guy, who are more willing to patiently answer and let me auditioned his merchandise. Hey, if you are going to spend that kind of dough, you deserve a bit more service, no?

    I'm with you. I'm ready to spend some coin, but if doesn't want it bad enough, then fine. I've already contacted a seller on the 'Gon selling what I'm looking for NIB for less than "Uncle Kevvy's deal of a lifetime." :rolleyes:

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • mulveling
    mulveling Posts: 505
    edited February 2008
    Clearly he has more potential business than he can competently handle, and he's fishing for the easy sales. So do both of yourselves a favor and move on to someone with more quality service to offer - often private sellers on audiogon give much better service than what's been offered to you at Upscale :)

    Upscale gives off a sort of snooty used-car salesman vibe that I never found particularly appealing.

    Sometimes I really wonder how some of these guys get their great rep...probably the same phenomenon that gives those ebay white van speaker guys their 99%+ feedback. My big red flag is company owners that can't write in coherent sentences - how do these guys run a business?? I have talked to Ty of Tyler Acoustics though, and he is a really cool guy deserving of his great rep. :)
    Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited February 2008
    mulveling wrote: »
    Upscale gives off a sort of snooty used-car salesman vibe that I never found particularly appealing.

    apparently you have spoken to him too.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • mulveling
    mulveling Posts: 505
    edited February 2008
    polkatese wrote: »
    apparently you have spoken to him too.
    Yeah, I called him up to buy a set of tubes a while back. Paid way too much (my fault, I was more ignorant then), but at least the product was delivered in a timely manner. Not too bad, but overall he and his website just give off that strange...vibe...IMO :p
    Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2008
    mulveling wrote: »
    Yeah, I called him up to buy a set of tubes a while back. Paid way too much (my fault, I was more ignorant then), but at least the product was delivered in a timely manner. Not too bad, but overall he and his website just give off that strange...vibe...IMO :p

    I get a different vibe talking to the guy, but to each his own. :p

    Pulled the trigger on an identical product for a grand less NIB off the 'Gon. Now I have an extra grand for a new pre later in the year when the "rebate" arrives. :D

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited February 2008
    Snooty service? Well, what do you expect. It ain't called "Upscale Audio" for nuthin. :)
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,570
    edited February 2008
    I've never got a snooty attitude from him. Maybe it's you guys.....LOL.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited February 2008
    I've never done business with them after they wouldn't give me a discount on tubes. The tubes were for a cd player that was purchased there. I wasn't the original owner but I had the original receipt. I immediately thought about the incredible customer service I get from Polk even without a receipt.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,570
    edited February 2008
    At the time their policy for "Bought There Gear" in relation to tubes, etc. was clearly posted, so why did you think you deserved special treatment?

    BTW, these days their tube prices are the same for all.

    Edit: I stand corrected, the BTG price still applies to certain tubes, the ones that are low stock.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited February 2008
    I said my piece. I can find better tubes on ebay anyway.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,034
    edited February 2008
    mulveling wrote: »
    I have talked to Ty of Tyler Acoustics though, and he is a really cool guy deserving of his great rep.
    I'll echo that statement. Absolutely a great guy. He helped me with an issue I had earlier this year on a pair of recently bought used speakers not even purchased from him and he even went so far as to send some parts to me for free. He even took the time to follow up to see if everything had worked out [which it did]. That kind of service will get him future business from me.

    Back to the subject. If Upscale audio has to pick and choose their customers based upon folks "wasting" there time then this is definitely a company I wouldn't want to give business too. Comments based upon feedback from this thread only. I have never dealt with them and from what I've read I probably never will.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,570
    edited February 2008
    I said my piece. I can find better tubes on ebay anyway.


    Yes you did, without merit.

    Maybe, maybe not. Are they tested and guaranteed like his? I seriously doubt it.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,570
    edited February 2008
    There's one ever so slight difference that bears pointing out here. Upscale is not a manufacturer, Polk and Tyler are. Something to keep in mind.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited February 2008
    I have never dealt with them. But man do they have a great selection of tubes. I wish I would have known of them earlier.
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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited February 2008
    F1nut wrote: »
    Yes you did, without merit.

    Maybe, maybe not. Are they tested and guaranteed like his? I seriously doubt it.

    If you have a personal experience with upscale audio then please share it.

    That's what I did.

    Yes I make sure they are tested and guaranteed and I test them when they get delivered. I've bid and won some that weren't tested for a very low bid and had good luck on them also.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,570
    edited February 2008
    Ummmm...post #15.

    Now, you're welcome to have the last word, but your point is still without merit.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited February 2008
    Yes he was a little snotty to me and because of that, I have no plans of doing business with him.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,808
    edited February 2008
    Plenty of other outstanding tube vendors, vintage/NOS or new production.
    I've never seen any reason to go to Upscale for tubes; isn't that name offputting enough?

    If the OP'd like a list of good tube vendors, I'd be happy to share my own faves.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2008
    Wes
    You should call him back, let him know you did business elsewhere because you didn't appreciate the (lack of) service he provided. Good for you--the older I get, the more I expect, and if a business doesn't deliver, I give someone else my money.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2008
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Wes
    You should call him back, let him know you did business elsewhere because you didn't appreciate the (lack of) service he provided. Good for you--the older I get, the more I expect, and if a business doesn't deliver, I give someone else my money.

    I probably should once I get the unit in hand. Speaking of the unit....see my new post.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited February 2008
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Plenty of other outstanding tube vendors, vintage/NOS or new production.
    I've never seen any reason to go to Upscale for tubes; isn't that name offputting enough?

    If the OP'd like a list of good tube vendors, I'd be happy to share my own faves.


    Not to derail the thread but I would love to see your list of tube vendors. The more the better.:)
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2008
    No prob, nik.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited February 2008
    http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=34599.0
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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