I think KGOW actually sounds better now, with a more robust audio quality. Previously it was a bit bass light and treble heavy, and also sounded as if certain audio frequency ranges were missing or deemphasized...sort of like someone screwing with a graphic equalizer. KGOW also at times sounded like a low-res MP3 file, with noticeable digital artifacts on the audio.
Perhaps this is the (alleged) new transmitter? They might finally be getting their technical act together.