If you play with headphones this doesn't affect you right?

The top half of the 3DS XL with the giant screen is a lot thinner than the original, so literally the speakers from the original physically wouldn't fit without sticking out.  So they had to put in thinner, but longer speakers.  Like the Iwata Asks says, you know, they tried to make them as close as possible to the quality of the original, but they even admit the quality isn't quite there. 

Why are you defending Nintendo? Are you on Nintendo payroll?

Not really worried about the speakers since I don't use them. I either play with headphones on or the sound turned down so it's not an issue.

I think it has the same speakers, but just a different design on the plastic.

The crackling sound they may have heard is that of fire as I'm almost certain they would play their XL's as they gather around their bonfire with their clubs next to them, after a long day hunting mammoths.

the speakers are not high quality?
Nintendo is d000med!!
seriously, i couldnt care less about the damn speakers..xD

The speakers are quieter, but I actually thought they sounded a little bit clearer. Just a littler bit. I heard notes I hadn't heard before in a couple of SM3DL tunes. But they are undoubtedly less loud. NOT a deal-breaker by any means. Everyone has headphones these days.

I'm sure it will sound fine on my Astros