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Seal a ported sub?

I have 2 Klipsch 10" subs. They are both from the Klipsch Reference line which is supposed to be their top quality. I know that there are better subs out there but I want to optimize what I have before going to new equipment. One of the subs is a sealed unit. The other is front ported with a rectangular port located in the front at the bottom. This is the sub......https://www.klipsch.com/products/reference-subwoofers?model=r-110swMy listening preference is for 2 channel for music only. I have read many recommendations in this forum that sealed subs are better for music, where ported ones are mostly preferred for HT where movie music and sound effects are predominate. Here are my questions.....While I don't care about booming/overpowering bass but rather about the quality of bass in music, would closing/sealing the port on the ported sub gain any benefit?If so, what material/process would I use to do so? I realize that speakers are designed to operate with their complete construction in harmony. After all, I'm just trying to augment my stand mounted speakers with the larger 10" subs to provide better bass.Thanks
jrpnde

Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,645 posts
 
Sean, only for the sub. :) That's how I run. It's marvelous. OR you get a digital domain crossover, and then feed a pair of DAC's. :)
erik_squires
16,645 posts
 
Tute :

Funny thing. Yes. sealing a ported speaker will raise the -3dB point, in an anechoic room, but that may also help the speaker integrate better. The lower you go, the more likely you are to run into room modes. Also, sealed speakers have less cone excursion below resonance, so there is that matter of power handling. :)

Overall, I'd rather the OP properly EQ'd and damped his room instead. That is the way to get the most out of those subs instead of plugging them.

Best,
E
erik_squires
16,645 posts
 
Old, clean t-shirts work just fine to seal it. 

Your ears will tell you which you prefer.... but... really what you want is bass traps and a DSP to integrate the sub properly into your room and with your speakers. 

Best,

E
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