Updating a classic loudspeaker can yield more output yet worse tonal quality.

Evidence

Figure 17.4 continues the story, beginning with the AR 58s, which is dramatically different from the neutral spectral balance of the AR-9 in Figure 17.3(h). It was reminiscent of the AR-3 shown in Figure 1.3 and the very similar AR-3a, so the on-axis curve is superimposed for comparison. It looks like an attempt to revisit the sound of the old AR-3a. If so, it seems that the once desired AR-3a “improved” was achieved, because the tweeter now had more output, but the sound quality was definitely colored. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1944

Categorization

• CANDY: A nice trivia nugget—the AR ‘improved’ tweeter produced more output but colored sound—good for elevator conversation about retro reissues.
• XREF: connects to: Equalizing a loudspeaker response can worsen off-axis sound quality. — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 523; Signal processing can compensate for loudspeaker and headphone imperfections. — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 520
• yield-rescued: below the book’s yield-target cutoff, included anyway for connecting to: Equalizing a loudspeaker response can worsen off-axis sound quality. — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 523; Signal processing can compensate for loudspeaker and headphone imperfections. — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 520