I’ve been researching and cultivating knowledge around these speakers for quite a while. There was a Duetta and a Duetta II Signature Series built by Apogee. The latter was their last model with much better crossovers (there was also a German version called the Duetta Reference that was too hot in the upper frequency, but can easily be corrected). The Duettas go north of 30k on the top end frequency range. They we’re getting a lot of complaints around the frequency range constraints of the originals. The Duetta IIs, aside from the obvious nameplate etched on back binding post plate, are distinct because they have a separate aircraft aluminum stand, not molded and part of the frame like the originals. You really hit a goldmine. Stereophile and many others put these speakers (along with other full range ribbons models Apogee made such as the sub-1Ohm Scintillas, the larger than Duetta Divas and others like the massive flagship Grand) as some of the best speakers ever made regardless of price (always controversial to say of course). A big problem that really forces you to redo your Duettas is the acoustic foam, particularly for the bass ribbons, because the foam they used in those days ultimately breaks down onto a form like sand. It will cause a bass buzz that will only get worse. Graz tested his new foam (not sure if he designed it or sourced it) in the extremely hot Australian outback (I think the Outback, but not important). It will last a lifetime. He invested a lot of money into CNC equipment and is making his ribbons at much higher tolerances than what was available in the late ‘80s. He doesn’t list it on his website, but you’ll also want the wiring clamp kit for the mid/upper frequency narrow ribbons. It hold tension much better and makes it much easier to swap out ribbons in the future while improving the sound. I’ve talked to Rich Murray at True Sound Works. Personally, I was more comfortable working with Bill Thalmann @ Music Technology, but that’s just me. I’m also almost exactly in the middle mileage-wise here in AR. You’re obviously closer to Minden, NV than Sterling, VA. Keep in mind, Graz will only send replacement bass ribbons to one of these two shops in the U.S because it takes a lot of experience to put them in place properly and there is no do-overs without ruining $700 for one speaker’s worth of bass ribbons. I’m also having them repainted by their partner car paint shop for $1,200. Going with a satin semigloss black that I’ve coined “Darth Vader Monoliths”.
Graz shared detailed directions with me on how to build shipping crates that includes a super strong aluminum rectangular frame (should cost around $600 to have someone make them for you). He asked me not to post it on a forum, but I would also want to ask him before sharing it directly with you since he’s been so responsive and great to work with. The biggest thing is the crates cannot flex/twist in transit (even though they should both be strapped together on the same pallet together). I’ve got the original boxes with a strong 2x4 cage around each box. This time I will definitely use a freight company. So much more I can cover, better to field your specific questions, mostly which would be good to post here because I want others to benefit so we can keep Apogees alive and in use (even though there are lots of other Apogees posts floating around including on DIY sites). They are too special to disappear from more people discovery their sublime capabilities! Check out my Virtual System here called “Matt Parker’s System”. There is also a lot of other excellent information I recommend reading in conversations I’ve had with others in the comments section.
You can easily find Graz’ website by doing the search “Apogee Graz”. There’s also a great shootout review between the Duetta models, including a pair rebuilt by a Graz affiliated shop in The Netherlands. Use the search “apogee duetta signature hifi review rebuilt”. Several links come up on top that are all essential reads for you.
Cheers!
Graz shared detailed directions with me on how to build shipping crates that includes a super strong aluminum rectangular frame (should cost around $600 to have someone make them for you). He asked me not to post it on a forum, but I would also want to ask him before sharing it directly with you since he’s been so responsive and great to work with. The biggest thing is the crates cannot flex/twist in transit (even though they should both be strapped together on the same pallet together). I’ve got the original boxes with a strong 2x4 cage around each box. This time I will definitely use a freight company. So much more I can cover, better to field your specific questions, mostly which would be good to post here because I want others to benefit so we can keep Apogees alive and in use (even though there are lots of other Apogees posts floating around including on DIY sites). They are too special to disappear from more people discovery their sublime capabilities! Check out my Virtual System here called “Matt Parker’s System”. There is also a lot of other excellent information I recommend reading in conversations I’ve had with others in the comments section.
You can easily find Graz’ website by doing the search “Apogee Graz”. There’s also a great shootout review between the Duetta models, including a pair rebuilt by a Graz affiliated shop in The Netherlands. Use the search “apogee duetta signature hifi review rebuilt”. Several links come up on top that are all essential reads for you.
Cheers!