A Model 19 is far better than a Model 14, and Model 19 has deeper bass. I would love a pair of 19s - they are considered the best "home audio" speaker Altec made.
Yes, the Model 17 is a 604 duplex speaker in a 620 box. It should sound very, very nice but totally different speaker to a Valencia or Model 19. It is essentially a studio monitor, and are meant for mid/near-field.
I have a pair of 604s in a 10 cu ft box (bigger than a 620) and they sound great with tube gear and Shindos. The real problem with the "harshness" of Altec duplex speakers is the crossover. A custom one will make the speaker shine far better than the stock ones do - like a Jeff Markwart, Mastering Labs, Selah Audio or one of the very nice ones mast_mutter (ebay) makes.
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