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Subwoofers: Ported or sealed?

I read that sealed subwoofers are better for music- tighter and more accurate.  And that the ported ones tend to offer more output.  Yet it seems to me most speakers, including cost no object models, are ported.  Can someone shed some light on the matter?    

joekras25

Showing 1 response by desktopguy

desktopguy
398 posts
 

My home office is ~13' x 13'. I've had 3 or 4 subs here:

  1. The only ported one was an 8" NHT model. I must say, it perfectly matched the NHT powered mains. Overall, this system didn't go that low or loud, but the manufacturer's design (ported sub + sealed mains) worked perfectly.
  2. But when I redirected to a series of passive desktop monitors, I had to get aftermarket subs. The first was the 12" sealed SVS SB-1000. Much bang for the money, but not the last word in resolution or bass note texture.
  3. The 2nd sub is the current one, the JLAubio e110, a powerful sealed 10" model. It's the best of the 3, ideally matched to the room.

So I conclude that for larger subs in this room, sealed is the way to go. I've made the same conclusion for passive 2-ways: sealed designs work better, sound better, and excite fewer room notes/sonic anomalies. I also just love the quality of low bass notes from a sealed speaker. There's a punch and truthfullness I just don't hear from ported designs. 

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