Great experience loved everything, professional great product, go out of their way to help

To quote Kevin "What can I say? Things happen." This snippy, blythe remark was made to me after an amplifier I bought from them new bricked. Disappointing. No good-faith attempt, nor any attempt, was made to make it right even after my spending into five figures with them at this shop. I spoke to a different person each time I inquired about the problem and each sounded unconcerned. I got the brush off. They couldn't even take it in for a look towards repairing it (with me offering to foot the bill). In addition, and perhaps most importantly, the 3 product reviews I've submitted to their site about this unit have been not been posted which leads one to the assumption that only the positive reviews of their products are posted. Which, of course, means the whole review section of their website is potentially untrustworthy, misrepresentative and useless. The cynic might say "Of course!" And I would have said that also, but I thought this place was different. It's not. Kevin's an expert salesman and pitchman, but save your duckets and keep moving. read more

About 5 years ago I went to Upscale to check out a Primaluna EVO 400 Integrated amp. On my arrival I was met by Kat who brought me into a sound room and set me up with the Primaluna EVO 400. Kevin came in the room and played some streamed music on some vintage Tannoy speakers. I fell in love with the 100% tube Integrated and Kevn offered to buy my Mcintosh MA252 for a more than fair price. TH MA252 was a Hybrid amp and so I purchased the EVO 400 and a new phono preamp. Since that time I bought new KT150s, a Mofi/Fender Turntable, Focal headphones etc. Every transaction has been very rewarding. Kevins sales force and service department is always a pleasure to work with. Kevin is very passionate about so many things in life and his employees love working there. There is no doubt that my high end audio addiction always starts and usually ends with buying equipment from Upscale! Shout out to Jordan for helping me pick up and setup my latest toy from Upscale, the Eversolo A10. The service department is also exceptional. read more

True Audiophile experience Christ is amazing trust him yes I know equipment I've had Mac Legacy etc bUT Chris really knows his stuff talked me out of Focal Cary etc ortifon cartridge regal turntable leave your ego at the door trust him Truly an experience like Nordstrom/Ritz used to be Many Thanks Chris read more

Title: Buyer Beware - My Upscale Audio Devialet Experience I'm not even sure where to begin. I ordered a Devialet Phantom I 103 dB speaker from UpscaleAudio.com, and the experience has been a complete nightmare. It started when I called to confirm they were an authorized dealer for Devialet. The first employee confirmed this, but then told me the unit does not come with a manufacturer's warranty -- major red flag #1. I had to call back and speak to someone else who correctly stated that it does include the warranty. I purchased the last unit in stock. Delivery was the next issue. Rather than delivering a high-value, fragile speaker to my door, they stuffed it into a parcel locker, which I consider reckless handling for an item of this cost and fragility. When I finally unpacked it, the remote wouldn't pair out of the box. Then I noticed the chrome grill on one side wasn't seated properly--it had dislodged during shipping or came that way, and due to the radiator vibrations, it slid out further as music played. The other side was fixed properly, confirming it was not by design. When I contacted Upscale, their response was slow and dismissive. They took hours to send me a basic PDF pairing guide that I had already found myself online. Customer service? Barely. After multiple issues, I asked for a replacement and was met with radio silence. Only after filing a claim with my credit card company did they finally respond -- suddenly now that payment was on the line, they started replying daily and arranged a courier pickup. Then came the real circus. The courier was scheduled between 3-4 PM on a holiday. No one showed until 7:50 PM. The person was in plain clothes, driving an unmarked, beat-up van with children inside, and could not provide any ID or paperwork. She didn't even know what item she was supposed to pick up. When I expressed concern and asked for verification, she refused to contact her boss -- then threatened to call the police on me. I was sick with a high fever, trying to navigate this bizarre situation, and had to speak to actual law enforcement over returning a speaker I didn't break or damage. Eventually, I managed to speak to her boss and verified she was legitimate. But the fact that I was put in this situation at all is beyond comprehension. I'm not sure what Upscale Audio and Ken Davis were thinking by sending someone this unprofessional to pick up an item valued at over $3,000. Whatever they're trying to pull here -- threatening a customer with police for questioning a shady pickup -- is something I'm now speaking to legal counsel about. I'm holding Upscale Audio, Devialet, and the unlicensed logistics company accountable for this entire ordeal. If you're considering purchasing from Upscale Audio, I strongly suggest you go elsewhere. I've never experienced anything this unprofessional and borderline dangerous from any online retailer. You might end up with a defective product, poor service -- or worse, being treated like a criminal for simply asking questions. Just my two cents. Proceed with extreme caution! read more

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I'm going to do my best to keep this short as I can be very long-winded, but I wanna drop a line and share what an amazing experience I have had shopping for my dream speakers! I genuinely rarely leave reviews, but it's important to me to share what individualized and authentic service has been provided by Joel over there. I have purchased a variety of the things from upscale over the years, but never had to put as much thought and consideration into a purchase as what I am doing right now for my speakers. I am moving into a new home and into a small listening room. The room is not really an ideal size or shape for a speaker set up, so it is very demanding, and I can be demanding of what I expect from the sound I am after. Joel set up a demo for me that as closely as possible replicated my listening environment, and Audio chain. He asked me the right questions to help determine the sound I was after and which speakers were worth considering within my price range. We swapped numerous speakers and were able to identify exactly what I was after! I have to say, an added benefit of equipment demos at upscale is that everyone working there loves music and it really shows. I will also share that I never once felt pressured to spend any more money on something more expensive than what I expressed interest in. So that's it. So much for keeping it short. I'm sure some of this may sound like hyperbole, but credit where credit is due! I drive an hour and a half to get to upscale and it is well worth it. Thank you Joel, you've got a customer for life! read more

Since my last review I've purchased more hardware and Cabasse speakers. The team over there have been great and one can tell there is no commission pressure. Make an appointment, explain to them what exactly you want to accomplish and let them recommend something and demo it for you. Let the pros perhaps get you into something you never imagined! read more

I was trying to schedule an appointment to hear a couple of speakers brands that aren't accessible in AZ, but the experience was like trying to buy a car. Am I buying that day maybe if one wows me more than the kantas but I won't know at least not here. read more

As good as it gets! Outstanding sales Product is terrific. Got the VPI Super prime, with a Hana Mc. Black At first play was astounded by the overall quality of the sound. Bass. Treble, separation. If it sounds this good now, can't wait until is broken in Soooo glad I purchased this piece. read more

Upscale Audio is the best. Really knowledgeable staff that works with you to help you find what is right for you. While they deal with the finest audio equipment in the world, Dylan, Kevin, Jordan and the entire staff never pushed me into the stratosphere of $$$. They listened, were patient and accommodating. They willingly set up listening sessions with the equipment I selected - the amazing Eversolo Play and the equally amazing Fyne Audio F500SP speakers. If you care about sound and want to get the system that will give you joy for years, Upscale is the place to go! read more

Great selection of gear at competitive prices, friendly and knowledgeable sales staff, recommended!

I bought an Aurender N150 streamer recently...thanks Joel! and finally got an ethernet cable to it. I was having trouble pairing the Aurender app on my iPad, and the Tidal music was only coming thru my iPad, instead of thru my hi-fi system. I called Upscale, and Steve walked me thru the correct set-up. It works great, and I couldn't be happier! I highly recommend Upscale for both sales and service! read more

This is a very interesting business, with professional people who know what HDCD is and can nerd out with me. I bought a coax cable from them, and I've been using it everyday for five years now, it's amazing. Kendrick and the older guys are solid salesmen, but where this gets sour is the 2nd time I visited the store looking for a sub woofer cable. I was greeted by a younger salesman in his 20's and this kid was unprofessional, I very kindly said something like "Oh, haha that's a bit out of my price range", and he arrogantly said "This is a high end audio place". Yeah I know dude, it says that on the building. But I can find high end monster cables for 3 bucks at a thrift store, I come here for the element and to build sales relationships. A good salesman would refer someone to a more affordable option, not say you don't belong here, which is exactly what I felt. That pissed me off. read more

If you're serious about audio and you want help understanding equipment that will fit your needs, make an appointment. You'll be in good hands. read more

Upscale Audio - Klipsch Jubilee - the best, ok, one of the very best I've heard. - Electronics Near Me - La Verne, California

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Last month I made an on-line/over the phone purchase of a Chinook pre-amp (not offered locally). I spoke with a couple different people, but mainly dealt with Kat. She was great, very easy going, low pressure, and informative. There was a slight inconsequential shipping mix-up on their part so she gave me a deal on the unit. This was not something I asked for, nor expected, but was very much appreciated. I am not an internet buyer (except used records) so this was my only experience buying hifi on the net. I am not sure where they could improve. Professional, knowledgable, courteous, and generous, I'd say about as good as it gets. Thanks, the Chinook Special Ed mkII is awesome. read more

I'm looking for speakers and drove the 60 Miles to this store. It says on the website to call and make an appointment. I left a message and no one calls back so I drove the distance to hopefully listen to some Focal speakers as I have the headset only to be told there is no salesman on Monday and there's nothing they can do about it. I guess it's a once in a lifetime trip to Upscale and Focal at this point. What's the point of having a voicemail when no one check their messages. read more

I was greeted with a ridiculous attitude when I contacted a sales rep by email to ask about auditioning a set of speakers. "We wouldn't waste space on our sales floor with such low-end speakers." Ohhhhkay, sport. Except you sell the speakers in question. A ringing endorsement for Crutchfield and other retailers that understand their function is to sell and educate, not belittle. I suppose the listening enjoyment goes up when you don't have those pests called customers around. read more

Quick summary: Purchase your items somewhere else. They do not honor their policy and will find any excuse not to provide full refunds. I feel like I got robbed. I wanted a set of tower speakers that can't be found in a big box store and came here to see if I can test them out. Salesman said they wouldn't waste their floor space displaying such low end speakers belittling what I felt was the top of my budget. He then informed me that they have a no questions asked return policy and if I didn't like them I could bring them in. Well I didn't like them so I returned the items and they did not inform until I called, over 2 weeks later, that they will not provide a full refund! When I contacted them back they claimed the speaker I returned had a scratch on it. The speaker sat in their office for at least a week before being inspected and could've been scratched in their shop or scratched while they moved it around. Worst of all the scratch was on 1 speaker and I purchased 2 speakers. Each speaker was charged separately but they charged a restocking fee on the entire purchase. They claim speakers are purchased in pairs so the penalty is subject to the entire total. If you look at other reviews it looks like a pretty common pattern for this company to provide terrible service. read more

Shipped my 2 x Klipsch RP 8000F in a protective packaging, both my floorstands came in perfect condition. Definitely would buy from them again for Klipsch products since they are authorized dealer. Unlike Amazon/Bestbuy that has shipped some units damaged. read more

Upscale Audio - Electronics Near Me - La Verne, California

UPSCALE Audio is not just the name of the business for the high-end audio parts and components, it reflects the high level of customer service you will receive too. While most new clients might associate Upscale Audio with the energetic and always enthusiastic company Founder, Kevin Deal, on Youtube reviewing components, the team of professionals he has assembled are just as knowledgeable or better. And to that point, Kat is beyond amazing in her knowledge of sound engineering and in particular, VPI turntables! She assisted me with configuring a system along with post sale set-up and support after I took it home. In fact, I learned about her from an east coast referral of her reputation before I even heard the name Upscale which is what brought me there. And if the sales and support team isn't fantastic, Upscale has a warehouse where the stock most of the components they have in the listening room which not all high-end audio dealers have. It's supper cool to not have to wait in many cases for the to order and receive it like my VPI Prime turntable in a walnut plenth finish. I highly recommend Upscale Audio. Give them a call. And if you arrive at the store and don't immediately see someone to help you, just poke your head in one of the two offices or two listening rooms, I never see them when they are not busy. read more

Upscale Audio - Electronics Near Me - La Verne, California

Awesome staff, great selection of high-end headphones and amps. Big shoutout to Jordan - I spent about 2 hours there deciding on a set of headphones and he was very attentive and knowledgeable without being pushy. Very positive experience, would recommend setting up a time to demo with them if you're looking for headphones, amps, or speaker setups. read more

I bought a Telefunken tube from them online for over $280 including shipping. They charged my credit card for it. They called to tell me they didn't want to sell it to me because they don't make money selling tubes and it's only for their existing customers. Wow. They refunded my money a couple days later. Now I'm getting spam advertising from them, 2 emails per day from them and even though I keep unsubscribing they won't stop. Attached is a copy my order, the cancellation for unforeseen circumstances, and then an email from somebody named Craig who said that when I placed my order I should have known that they reserve the right to cancel any order. Based on other reviews, Kevin will now post lies in response to my review. read more

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I called Upsale Audio regarding some Tannoy speakers. Spoke to Joel, and he was just great. I scheduled an audition with Joel and we had a nice time listing to some tunes. Joel was kind enough to hook up another pair even though I had not previously requested to do so. While I ended up leaving empty handed, Joel and the other staff member made the experience a good one. I'd definitely go back. read more

I had issues with my Pro-ject Carbo turntable that were driving me crazy. Nuts. Long story short, I wound up calling Upscale Audio. Here is what they did right: 1. They answered the phone. 2. Kevin--or was it Ken?--was SUPER patient and friendly. I explained all of my existing issues, and he offered possible remedies and solutions. 3. He never tried to sell me anything. 4. He was extremely patient, and he gave me the impression that none of my questions would ever have exhausted his patience. 5. He was very knowledgeable about the entirety of the audio realm. 6. He encouraged me to relate my listening experience to him upon receipt of new turntable, which I cannot wait to receive. read more

I mean the guys and gals at Upscale Audio are just the greatest. Help me with purchases honestly. I know a thing or two about audio, and they don't try to sell you stuff you don't need..just honest salesmanship... Their tech and trouble shooting team are also amazing. My two year old poked his finger in the sweater on my brand new JBL L100s. Not only did Kat, the analog guru help calm my emotional call, but Joel the sales rep chimed in on email, and Vincent helped me find a very affordable solution. I did a lot of research looking for a solid hi-fi dealer, and I feel like I made the correct decision. read more

The best audio group LA has ever had. Kevin Deal and the staff are very experienced and helpful, they will bend over backwards to make you happy! They carry many famous names in hi-fi, and have financing options for the big-ticket items. Highly recommended. read more

Was excited to find a local audio place. As much as I like Crutchfield, I thought it'd be great to be able to audition stuff locally instead of using their return policy. Always nice to support a local business as well. First problem - Upscale Audio wasn't responsive in setting up a time for me to be able to demo the Wharfedale Linton. I was like ok whatever I'll just buy them and use the return policy. I even went to pick them up to save Upscale money on the shipping. After two days of using the speakers, I was not a fan and knew allowing them to open up with proper time wasn't going to fix the issues I had - the speakers were super grainy. So I took them back within the first week. Got charged a 10% restock fee. The bottom of the units got some knicks because I didn't know to install the felt pads. I was just trying to be considerate and not use all the things because I might return. Kinda not my fault that wharfedale doesn't properly pad their stands by default and use such delicate wood. so I had to pay $180 to try out the speakers for a few days + the gas to pick them up. We could've avoided this situation if they had been responsive to my request for a demo. Honestly, they seem like nice people, but Crutchfield is so much easier to deal with. I really wanted a local shop that I could use to cut down on at home auditions and returns, but they don't seem interested in offering these services. Better off using Crutchfield's superior return policy. Might come back for some tubes. read more

The best way to check customer service is if you did not buy your item but they offer you help to check a problem With that in mind Al and Sean at Upscale were very helpful in determining that I had not damaged my stylus on my Rega P3 TT. The next time I upgrade my audio I will visit their showroom and get their advice. Thanks guys. read more

Upscale Audio - Electronics Near Me - La Verne, California

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It is so hard these days to demo various mid-range to high-end audio and home theater gear. Best Buy has a ton of TVs on the floor, but they are all hooked up to soundbars or a store sound system. They have about 4 receivers on the floor, but none of them are hooked up. Although my local Best Buy has a Magnolia AV in it, it has gone down to half the size and the remaining part was down for about 3 weeks while they changed out gear and updated their internet set up. Once it was back up, they didn't have most of the receivers hooked up, no Klipsch RPII or higher out, nor did they attempt to use speakers close in style, and the big screen wasn't working. Enter Upscale Audio. They are set up in an industrial flex space park. The last place I thought I'd be doing some demos of AV and music gear. You need to make an appointment and let them know what you are interested in listening to during the session. The owner has an amazing display of pristine condition tube amps and other cool, classic gear. My salesperson, Daelan, was amazing from the initial emails, to the listening session, and post purchase help. The listening session was in their home theater room. I spent about 3 hours listening to 3 different DAC streamers, a tube amp and an AVR. I also watched some movie and TV clips during that time. Daelan let me loose with an Ipad loaded with Roon and Tidal to pick my own music, etc. He checked in on me about every half hour to see if I had questions, water, etc. I closed the place down, they shipped the gear to my house for free and couldn't have been nicer! read more

If you come here, look for Jake. He's your go-to guy in anything audio-related, especially with regards to hi-fi entertainment. We were looking for an amplifier to complete our audio system and he went through a detailed process to help us find the right amplifier for our setup. All I can say I'm very pleased with his service and it's a pleasure working with him. read more

Upscale Audio - Primaluna prologue HP, Kef model three speakers, Marantz CD player 6007 - Electronics Near Me - La Verne, California

Make sure you know what you're getting into before you come here. The selection and display they have here of hifi playback equipment is unlike anything I've seen with my eyes in real life. With that, though, you can tell there's a very high-class, elite vibe that the store wants to keep in place, even with certain expectations for you as a customer (probably why this place is appointment only). Don't come or purchase anything here without at least getting a little familiar with the hifi audio terms and features of the product(s) you're interested in. I know a handful of people that would call themselves audio enthusiasts but not know even the most basics of what makes a setup worth investing in. The employees will not be able to figure out or help you properly if you're not capable of explaining yourself. Most that come here shouldn't have this problem though if you know what you're getting into. That's also not to say employees can't get a bit too nosy, for example I purchased a CD transport from here last month and while waiting for it to get delivered from the warehouse, an employee (forgot his name) kept trying to sell me on a different cd player instead that cost thousands more than what I already purchased, explaining that what I was getting was to be soon outdated. It's a business, I know, always trying to upsell and keep their high-class image alive, but that's just not what I wanted to hear while I was there that day. In all, Upscale is a great place. Just have some knowledge about what you want from here before coming. read more

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Great Audio Store! I just ordered a couple of REL 5x subwoofers, delivered 3 days later! I have picked up items from their store, Focal speakers and had some Tannoys delivered for a different system. Not a high pressure enviornment, everyone on staff love talking Audio and are enthusiasts just as much as the consumers who shop there. Highly recomended! read more

I stopped by Upscale Audio's retail location on a whim after being an online customer for years. I was blown away by the hospitality that my brother, son, and I received. We did not have an appointment or any expectations but even though the staff was busy they made sure to make us feel welcome. Joel went out of his way to set up a system for us to demo and enjoy. It was an incredible experience and I look forward to continuing my audio journey with Upscale Audio. read more

Upscale Audio damaged the veneer in 2 areas while "inspecting" the turntable. They sent it to me regardless. They have been made aware of the issue and refuses to address it. Or even acknowledge it. They are just ignoring it. Terrible post sales customer service. Cannot recommend. Buyer beware. read more

So happy I went through Upscale Audio. I decided after decades of not listening to vinyl to scratch the itch again, and where does one start..with a turntable. After my early years with a meager Pioneer turntable, I took the plunge on a beautiful VPI. I was out of my element getting back into vinyl, but Sean-Paul through me a lifeline before I went off the deep end. He was great. He thoroughly explained the different tables and cartridges. I couldn't be happier in the process and the post purchase satisfaction. Sean-Paul even dropped me a line a few weeks after the sale to see if I had any questions and how I was enjoying my purchase. Highly recommend Upscale Audio. read more

Had to drop a few lines on my experience with Upscale Audio. Over the past couple of years I have made more than a few purchases from them. I had only one hiccup in all that time. Once I called to rectify the issue I ended up having an hour and a half conversation with a rep there about vintage gear and tape gear from the 70s. It was like chatting with an old friend! Not only did they fix the issue, I received the component the next day. All purchases were packed (double boxed), and shipped the same day. I've read some poor reviews about their prices. Have to disagree! Their prices are usually better than most competitors. In addition, with many components, you get some awesome upgrades (freebees) and discounts. My latest purchase was a Pathos Logos Mk ii integrated amp. A couple of days later, I received a call from UA just checking if I was happy with the amp and if I needed any assistance with the set up. That's good business! Give them a hard look if you need some gear, I trust them as my reference shop. read more

Purcahsed a pair of Polk R700's and from the start had a phase issue and while part of that is normal in this case one of the speakers had a flipped polarity while while the other was normal. In initially speaking with them I described the no bass issue and thin in general and bassically was told that, "Once you figure out the phase issue" So I am supposed to figure out the phase issue? On a new pair of speakers! So I as asked for help in returning the speakers and they offered no help in the return. Told me that it was my responsibility to get it back to them. I had hoped that they could initiate with at least a call to the carrier. What I have realized is when everything goes right with Upscale and the customer then all is good. The minute there is a problem they are like, (Too bad, you figure it all out). Fast forward 64 days later, (Return policy is 60 days). I found that now the speakers were on sale, so I had hoped that maybe they could price match the sale price and help me out on that end? Of course the answer was No, because they were so much to ship and they couldn't get the credit and they would lose money. There site claims, "Found a better price, call us". It certainly would have helped me out. read more

Recently purchase a pair of Tannoy DC10a assisted by Joel over the phone. Besides the point that the speakers were an excellent recommendation the quality and professionalism of the agent were a breath of fresh air. Advise was honest and informative. Joel was clearly on my corner helping me find my best option. It was obvious these guys didn't work for commissions which I confirmed later. read more

Amazing VPI Prime Scout table, with the Upscale Audio upgrades this was an amazing value. Online sales and support, as well as analog department setup of table and cartridge, was superb. Ongoing communication as to status of order, my few questions answered quickly and with expertise. Shipping was timely and table arrived well protected in double boxing. Can't say enough positive comments about the entire experience. Coupled with an Ortofon 2M Black cartridge the sound is fantastic. Greatly expanded soundstage, enhanced low end and super clear but not too bright upper end with a very black background. Paired with a Parasound 2100 preamp, McIntosh MC2105 power amp and Martin Logan Ascent-i's with a Hsu sub. This is my final turntable, having replaced a Thorens TD150 MKII with Shure V15 Type IV cartridge. read more

Update: so I just saw your response right now on Diana n's post,that is not me,could be fake but that's none of my business.I'm not sure how long ago you responded to her but I have no accountability for that other yelp review.I'm not an experienced linguist,hopefully one day I will be but I can tell you there are multiple misnomers in regards to the diction between both of my and her reviews and whatever legal action you were planning on taking does not worry me because this is my only yelp account that I have.I am letting you know that I am acknowledging you name dropping me in another review and that I do not have any obligation based on it. Swing and a miss I was looking for a preamp and I heard about upscale audio, so I thought I'd go there instead of guitar center. That was a waste of my time and as the owner indicated to me,a waste of his time as well. He wasn't interested in assisting me with such a small purchase which I would understand if he was busy the day I came in but he didn't even tell me to come back another time. I never got to see any of his products because he was just the rudest man I have ever met in my life, he was unpleasant to deal with and he kept pestering me to buy things. The fact that I didn't exactly know what I wanted to buy yet was what he called "a waste of his time". He is not someone I want to be dealing with nor is he someone I trust to sell me a high quality product without him swindling me. read more