Wire mesh bug screens percent open run from approximately 50%-75% open (depending on mesh size) or in other words the driver throat is 25%-50% blocked (again could be less depending on the mess size used-but the opening is blocked somewhat). It would seem that sound 25%-50% blocked by the screen will send the sound waves will bouncing back into the driver and cause some sort of distortion. Based on that I have to believe removing screens is going to have a positive impact on sound and as a result I have removed screens from my 288s and 902s a hear a positive effect in particular that wider sweet spot that is mentioned above.