Propagation distortion in sound systems : Can we avoid it?

Loud sound reproduction is accompanied by air propagation distortion, depending on a sound signal's frequency spectrum, sound pressure level, and distance. Potential limits of suppression of the propagation distortion are discussed. The dependence of predistorted waveforms on coordinates, frequency, and sound pressure level is investigated. Stronger spreading waves can be better linearized over distance from a source than slower ones. Nonlinear interaction of waves propagating noncollinearly is discussed. Nonparallel wave propagation is responsible for a decrease in nonlinear and intermodulation products as compared to collinear wave propagation.