[JLM]

As I approach retirement it may be time to consider downscaling, so the Peachtree Decco/Nova units hold interest for me.  Level 1 modded Nova or Level 2 modded Decco would run about $1700.  Reportedly the modded units seem to play louder according to Walter's ad and the 30/60 wpc at 8 ohms for the Decco/Nova is a concern for me (unless I limit my speaker options) so the mods hold that plus.  Plus would I always be left wondering how much better a modded piece would have sounded should I go with "just" stock?

OTOH for the same price an Eastern Electric Mini DAC with a Niteshade digital amp would functional serve my needs in a digital only system.  And this pairing would provide the latest SABRE chip with more power and flexibility.

This is probably why I don't flip more gear (too cheap and too anal).   

[2gumby2]

I've purchased gear from Walter and had a good experience. I would buy from him again.

[raindance]

As I approach retirement it may be time to consider downscaling, so the Peachtree Decco/Nova units hold interest for me.  Level 1 modded Nova or Level 2 modded Decco would run about $1700.  Reportedly the modded units seem to play louder according to Walter's ad and the 30/60 wpc at 8 ohms for the Decco/Nova is a concern for me (unless I limit my speaker options) so the mods hold that plus.  Plus would I always be left wondering how much better a modded piece would have sounded should I go with "just" stock?

OTOH for the same price an Eastern Electric Mini DAC with a Niteshade digital amp would functional serve my needs in a digital only system.  And this pairing would provide the latest SABRE chip with more power and flexibility.

This is probably why I don't flip more gear (too cheap and too anal).   

There is nothing in either the level 1 or level 2 mods that changes the output power, just the input stage is affected. This may provide a bit more gain so you twist the volume pot a bit less but this does not equal louder. Be careful. You can't get more watts unless you do something to provide the extra watts. This is an engineering perspective, so, like a lot of people on these forums, you can just ignore it and believe subjective info instead, if you like. 

[ncblue]

I used to own one of his Unison Unico mods. It sounded great and they were a pleasure to deal with. You could get either Peachtree and some new Zu Omens (Check out the black friday sale) and be done with it.

[davidrs]

JLM,

I have interacted with Walter on three separate occasions.

He was a pleasure to deal with, despite my not going with his gear that I was considering. 

I would not hesitate dealing with him again. 

As for your choice of gear (modded or not) that is a whole different issue and probably worth starting another thread specific to your choices.

- David.

[GR8FL DH]

I just joined up today so here's my 2 cents worth re: Walter  ( hope that's not price gouging ! )   

I purchased a bunch of stuff from him that was backed by great service each time. KC II speakers, DSpeaker DAC, 2- Emerald Physics EP100.2SE Amps & Project Tube Box S
phono pre-amp.

Here's a couple examples that speaks to his character & customer service.

1) I was having a difficult time connecting the two mono amps to the speakers. I called Walter and he
sounded horrible over the phone. He told me he was running a 102 degree fever but still walked me through the installation.

2) The other occasion I broke off the tiny little plastic dip switch to my phono pre-amp- Geez, why do they make 'em so delicate ? Anyway, I called Walter & he contacted the distributor that same day. 2 days later, I had a new replacement !

I haven't dealt with any purchased mods from Underwood but, Walter recommended I try out the beeswax fuses for his amplifiers.  The improvements were moderate- I gained about 20% more width to the soundstage and I can crank the volume to resemble a Who concert in my listening lair with excellent clarity.

He's a good guy for the industry.

[JLM]

Update:  Bought a DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core (DAC/preamp/DSP) from Underwood Wally a year ago and have been very pleased with the sound quality (all but matched Schiit Gungnir MB and Freya for less than half the price/size), but not so much with the physical design (see my review).  Transaction went without a hiccup. 

[glynnw]

Bought several items + met him at RMAF a few years back.  A good guy.

[rickmusicman]

JLM,

Sorry, off topic here, but would like to get your views on the Schiit Gungnir. I am debating between this DAC and the Oppos Sonica.
Thanks, sorry again for intruding on this thread. Rick

[fex02]

bought speakers from him.reat price, service, and delivery.

[Dieterle Tool]

Literally the only new piece of gear I have ever bought was from Wally. He does not mince words, I like that.

Good to see this string pick back up.

-Dieter

[rotarius]

I bought a Parts Connexion modded Music Hall cdp and a Quad cdp from him.  Good to deal with, no issues with him.  The Quad stuff is not very reliable, my cdp transport went bad in a few months and Walter provided me the number of the distributor iirc to get it repaired.  The mods were not worth the extra price on the MH cdp but sounded ok.  In short, nice guy but some of the stuff he sells can leave you underwhelmed.