If I were listening mostly to rock music and jazz I would probably be perfectly happy with a pair of L300/4333 in original condition.
But I also listen to a lot of classical music including chamber music etc…
In original condition if find the 4333s not versatile at all.
After damping the horns they became much more neutral and to my ears it was a huge improvement.
With the 4343s it is another story.
Without a doubt I could live with them as they are, without mod.
The “crystal glass” ringing of the 2307 is much less disturbing than the 2312’s bell sound, because it is not impacting the crucial mid frequencies.
I can hear the coloration, but I do not find it irritating.
Possibly this coloration contributes to the addictive personnality of the 4343s (this explosiveness…).
However, as I have an extra pair of horns at hand I am not too reluctant to experiment. Everything will be reversed if needed.
In order to be able to make the comparison I installed a damped horn in one of the cabinets only (using automotive material of the same type as in BMWCCA's picture).
Until now I have done only subjective listening, using a mono signal.
Before readjusting the Lpads the first result is obvious: a strong loss of perceived level from the 2420/2307 - I would say at least minus 3 or 4db.
My first impression was also that part of the excitement/magic was lost.
While the dynamic range had not changed, I felt that the “speed” was not the same anymore.
After rebalancing the levels roughly (only by ear) the difference is much smaller, although some of the initial impression is still there.
A gain in neutrality and a loss in speed/timing.
Further adjustments might allow me to regain completely what was lost, while keeping the gain in neutrality.
A serious comparison will require that I adjust the levels of all the drivers in a more “scientific” way.
As I do not have a RTA, I will make measurements with an old Technics frequency analyzer.
(@ POS: is it what you were suggesting ?)
I will update my impressions in a few days.