the flat response - Hificritic.com

The response in the listening room (fig.12) was remarkable at first sight, although the
upper treble was just too good to be true. In addition, the moderate prominence at 60-
80Hz could ideally have been avoided. This curve confirms both the inherent
neutrality of the IIIa, and its newfound extension to 25Hz in-room.
Conclusion
FIG.12
I was fortunate in having access to all three speakers at on time during this three-way
contest (though I am sure my wife did not agree!).
Because the final purchase decision must include major considerations such as
required loudness, room size, speaker placement, available amplification, and the
amplifier/speaker Interface, I find it hard to pick a winner. The kind of music played
may also be important, while matters of personal taste on tonal balance are also
crucial.
Given a near-unlimited amplifier budget, my ultimate sympathies lie with the Duetta
II. As a reviewer, however, I could not reasonably cope with it in its present state. It
is simply too rich, tonally, too insensitive to use as a reviewing tool; If intended as the
basis for a music room ... well, that would be another matter!
If the diminished final octave does not matter too much, and if really high sound
levels are not required, and if a large room is also available (quite a few “ifs”!), then the
Duetta is the best choice. There is no doubt that its intrinsic quality was in the highest
class, and implied no limit in terms of the matching amplifier quality; the ARC M100
proved this, though it didn't achieve a sensibly loud volume level.
I would ask Apogee to consider an approved modification for bypassing the
crossover. Dan D'Agostino could then work up a nice equalized electronic crossover,
working in conjunction with a pair of KSA-100s, to provide direct-coupled, bi-amped
operation. I confidently predict that this combination would provide one of the finest
performances for the money presently available in the businesses. *