Is Tom Evans Audio Design out of business?


Anyone know about the status of this company? I shipped him a Groove phone preamp for repair and upgrade last August (from the USA to the UK). I did this through a USA Tom Evans dealer. I never heard directly from Tom Evans but the dealer would occasionally give me vague updates. In mid-February, the dealer said Evans told him my unit would be shipped "next week." But now the Tom Evans Audio Design e-mail bounces back and his phone has a 24/7 busy signal. The dealer, a guy named Darrin O'Neill of Audio Limits in Colorado, now says he knows nothing and thinks Evans may be out of business. I have contacted other Tom Evans dealers and no one can tell me anything helpful. Fortunately I was never charged and have not sent any payments, although I offered to several times. The whole situation seems very strange to me. I only post this because I have a phono preamp that is unaccounted for and not much recourse. Any info or suggestions would be appreciated.
128x128ladok
"I was told I could also get it upgraded to the "Anniversary" edition along with the repair, and was quoted what I thought was a very reasonable price. "

Apparently it was too reasonable.
~ Ladok:

I will have T.E. look at this thread. I just received a new Groove Plus SE from him a few weeks ago! It is outstanding in every way. I assure you he is still working.

Maybe a personal event has taken place.

I have already forwarded this to him via my T.E. dealer.

** No flames until you hear back, please. False conjecture helps no-one!
The Vibe preamp was the last non-USA made piece to leave my system and it took me years, and about twice the price, to find a SS preamp I liked as well. His stuff is a bargin at the used prices it typically goes for over on this side of the pond.
Thanks for the info, Tom6897. I would like to point out that I have not printed any "flames" or "false conjecture." I have no intention of this being an attack on the company and I'm sorry some responders on this thread have made unkind remarks. I have only stated the facts. I have posted only to try to get information. The DEALER I have been working with is the one who has conjectured that TE may be out of business because he can no longer get in touch with him. Others have said he might be "on holiday," but I don't think that's an excuse for holding a preamp for more than 6 months and not communicating. If you have a means to contact him and forward my concern, that would be appreciated. I will also take Drplank's advice and try to contact a UK dealer.
By the way, Drpank, I have been on his website multiple times and there is no list of UK dealers that I can find. There is a US website with a list of about 7 US dealers, I've called several of them but none of them seemed to know how to contact him. His e-mail bounces back and the phone number is busy 24/7. I'd also like to say that the Groove phono preamp is the first and only solid state amp/preamp I've had in my system long-term in 35 years.