Plugging ported speakers and active Xovers


I have recently gotten a JL Audio CR 1 2 way active sub crossover and am wondering about some set up questions regarding the ports in my main speakers (Bryston Mini T's).

I did a lot of reading and was advised by JL to plug the ports in my speakers for better phase/time alignment between sats and subs and enjoyed the resulting tightening/impact/articulation.

My dealer advised that it may not be neccessary as when utilizing a high enough crossover - currently crossed over to stereo subs at 95hz (LR 24db slope) - the port is a non issue as the speaker wouldn't be producing any (real) output at its port tuned frequency, and ported drivers are not sealed drivers i.e. they usually have differently designed motors and a ported driver could be harmed by plugged/sealed operation.

I like the sound I'm getting (love it) but want to be sure I am not damaging the drivers. I am going to try without plugs to see the difference but was hoping for some input. I am also reaching out to the manufacturer. Any input is welcome!!
mhelming

Showing 1 response by timlub

Trying it won't hurt a thing, but it is way beyond where the port tuning is... an average port tuning is at approximately 30hz, with that port, your woofer is augmented to deliver accurate bass at a much lower frequency than in a sealed box... when you seal that box, all kinds of things change, the woofer is now in a box that is too big for its optimal bass response for a sealed box, the frequency will roll at a MUCH higher frequency vs having it in its optimal sealed box or in the ported box that it is in... The woofer could indeed roll at 80 or a 100 hz naturally with the port stuffed.
If in a very rare case that a woofer is ported in a box that is optimally too small for a sealed woofer, when sealing that box, you will increase that mid bass punch, but only in that case... Again, it won't hurt a thing to try it.