The Duo GT is mounted on four outriggers, each equipped with a large diameter, threaded shaft that is adjustable using the domed top-cap. In addition, the angle of each outrigger is adjustable, which is handy if you need to fit the speakers around existing furniture or obstructions. The bottom of each adjustable shaft has an internal M8 thread that can accept either a blunt, nylon-tipped ‘skate’ (ideal for initial positioning, or a shallow, spiked tip ideal for use on hard floors or with footers. If I was running the Duos in a carpeted room, I’d fit a set of Track Audio spikes instead, but the real point here is that the feet fitted to the Duo GT are adaptable to circumstance, beautifully executed and allow easy and really precise adjustment of the speaker’s attitude, especially the super-critical rake angle. It’s yet another factor that contributes directly to the Duo finally delivering on its potential.
Other set up niceties? Before starting the set up process, ensure that the tweeter (and midrange) trumpets are really tight in their threads. The speakers will normally be delivered with the midrange trumpets packed separately, so getting those tight should be a matter of course but it is easy to overlook the tweeter trumpets. Again, this is probably down to transport, but I managed to get nearly a whole clockwise turn on each of the smaller horns. Listening to the speakers before tightening those horns demonstrates just how critical the driver diaphragm/horn mouth interface is, if you are going to avoid tonal colouration and ‘horn-y’ exaggeration. But get everything tight and just like the Trio G3, the tonal balance will be extremely natural – surprisingly so for all those with jaundiced views of horn speakers in general and their colouration levels in particular.
Each speaker has a ground post on the bass amp. Connecting these to Qkore QK1s delivered a worthwhile reduction in grain with a corresponding improvement in tonal colour and separation. Placing HRS damping plates on the top of the cabinet, hidden behind the midrange trumpet, also tightened up bass definition and the air around bass notes. Beyond that, the Duo’s seemed largely impervious to tweakery in general, responding more readily to care and attention lavished on precise placement and attitude adjustments. You will need to get these speakers set up exactly (and I do mean exactly) the same distance from your ears and with exactly the same toe-in and rake angle – the latter being particularly critical if you are going to achieve the correct tonal balance. You MUST be on axis with the tweeter. Too low (too high or off to one side – it’s a spherical horn after all) and you will suffer glare and shrillness. But get everything right and you simply get vivid, extended treble energy and colour. Getting it right means using a digital level and a laser range finder. It’s worth the effort! Besides which, assuming you are buying through a dealer, this is exactly what you are paying them for.
