WSAH171N Terrible output, distorted

Hello, I purchased the WSAH171N and completed it without issue however the output signal is absolutely terrible sounding with ANY standard electret mic and amplified speaker. I have previously built a breadboard ATTiny Voice changer and had mediocre results and was hoping that this kit would be better but it is absolutely atrocious compared to the MK171 kit and the Holtek 8950a IC. I understand the holtek chip is at EOL but my lord, there has to be a better alternative? Id also like to comment that the instructions do not contain the schematic, which is very disheartening. Any comment on why they even made this kit? The results are so poor that I am not sure how it could possibly cost more than the kit it replaced but with completely unintelligible performance.

Id also comment that I am not entirely sure why we are amplifying the output when we are already using an amplified speaker? The signal is clearly over driven to the max and completely distorted.