Are you having problems with Upscale Audio?


Hi All,

From memory, it seems that many are satisfied with Upscale Audio.  So, I am wondering if The Times Are A Changin?

To date, I have two interactions and both have been difficult.

a.) I purchased a $4k cartridge (see my system), using a trade-in program.  When I called to follow up, they told me that I needed to speak with someone who was unavailable (out of the office for a while).  When I called again, I was simply told that UA customer service would get back to me with an update.  That never happened.  SIX WEEKS later, I called to complain.  Apparently, they lost track of my order.

b.) Today, I am looking to buy a set (7) of tubes from AU and have a question or two before making the order.  Frustratingly, after two calls and three emails, I am continually referred to the website for all tube-related information. 

Their customer service seems to be "Don't Call Us and We Won't Call You" (just look at our website and email us).  That attitude is a sale killer.

So, unfortunately AU is quickly becoming a vendor of last resource.

Anyone seen a change in AU's level of service, or has it always been this bad?

inagroove

Yep, I've been having 'our of stock issues'

Trying to purchase a simple drive belt for my Michell Table.

It's really just a big 'O' Ring, Not rocket science.....

When they think a sale may result, they are very helpful. If you have any issues, they are far lass helpful in my experience. I suppose that can be said of most businesses nowadays. 

I've had two experiences with them, both of which were satisfactory but also less than fully satisfactory.  The first is when I was interested in some NOS tubes that they were selling, and I called to discuss the different characteristics.  This is supposedly their thing, right?  Expertise about tubes?  I was told, "I am sorry but my boss will not allow me to give that kind of advice."  No offer to have me talk to someone who CAN give that kind of advice or anything.  Just...buy the tubes and either like them or don't.  OK, fine.  I bought them.  They were fine.  I got better sounding NOS tubes from someone else who did converse with me about the sonic characteristics, so now the tubes I bought from UA are here as backups.

More recently, I had a tube go bad, and I need a matched pair.  I just asked if they could match a tube to my bad one.  (This was going to be added to the purchase of a full set of new output tubes.  This extra tube, along with all of those currently in use, were going to then be set aside as a complete backup set).  Well, yes, they can do that.  They asked me to tell them the measurements printed on the box of the tube I needed to match.  That tube, however, did not have measurements on its box.  I asked if I could just have them test the existing tube to match it.  They clearly have the ability to do that, but the answer was no.

So, both of these transactions were fine...for a high-volume/low service retailer.  They are not consistent with the image UA wants to convey as a retailer who will provide good, personalized service and expertise.  I doubt I will buy tubes from them again unless I am looking for new-issue stock tubes of a type with which I am already familiar, but only if their price is lower than other suppliers.  I do not see much value being added by their service model.

Trying to purchase a simple drive belt for my Michell Table. It’s really just a big ’O’ Ring

Indeed. And you can buy most any belt under the sun from places like Grainger, Zoro, etc.

All belts have a standardized code number. You just need to figure out what yours is, based on its measurements. Then Google that code number. Some belts have their code number printed on them, so look for that first.

 

 

I have had many dealings with Upscale Audio, and they have treated me well.