Sealed or Ported Subwoofer - Which Is Best?

A commonly asked question about subwoofers is whether it is better to have a sealed or ported subwoofer enclosure.There are many varied opinions on this topic but only an explanation of the differences between the two designs will help people decide which is better for their application.

Sealed subwoofers are the simplest to design and construct.On a physics level,a sealed subwoofer is easier to integrate into a multimedia environment.A properly designed sealed subwoofer acts like a shock absorber,modulating the subwoofer's cone's back and forth motion so all the music gets reproduced evenly.The bass is tighter and presents more information due to being more articulate.

SVS subwoofers,which are a highly reviewed address the one problem with sealed subwoofers that is that they require more power to achieve the same SPL.The SVS subs with the use of sophisticated DSP equalization that improves accuracy and reliability of digital communications.In this case DSP takes advantage of the available  "room gain" in small to medium sized rooms tweaking the frequency response and roll off slope.This means that SVS ported  subs whilst excellent for music,they are surprisingly good for home theatre.

Ported subwoofers are a more complex animal.It would seem that it's all about tuning.It's all about the tuning of the port.However good port tuning will get you through and give you an expansive listening experience.I guess we need to get rid of the myths and talk of the common sense issues of room size,application and appropriateness to the situation.Whatever the case,using a subwoofer specialist like SVS and REL means that you are on the right path to subwoofer success.