What's the difference?

[vincedea]

What's the difference between a ported subwoofer vs a sealed subwoofer?

Trying to figure out what would match best with my nht SZ 2.0 speakers.

 

[pandemonium]

Ported means it has a port so the woofer can breath. Sealed means the enclosure for the woofer is literally sealed and does not allow air displacement during operation (passive atmospheric equalization still occurs via small gaps or the use of the materials in the woofer or enclosure).

Sealed is really only necessary in tight space locations (e.g. automotive). Ported can offer better response, but requires more knowledge of acoustic design to be properly implemented. (Simply just cutting a hole in an enclosure anywhere won't do the job.)

Are you building your own or buying? For home theater setup?

 

[Binky]

Ported is generally cheaper, and sealed is generally better.

 

[Anubis]

there really is no better, both can and do work great, really depends on what you are going for with the sub

 

[Number1]

Ported subs have more output at the low end and are generally more suited for home theaters. They tend to be boomy and suffer from port noise, the sound of air traveling in and out of the port.

Sealed subs require more power but have a more rounded up frequency response curve. Best for listening to music.

Read more at A guide to subwoofers

 

[vincedea]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I will actually be using the sub in my bedroom. It will be used with my desktop with listening to music, games, and movies. The sub will pretty much sit under my desk.

I will be buying the subwoofer as I have no idea how to build one.

With that said, which would be better for me? Sealed or ported?

 

[pandemonium]

Given the fact that you're asking this question, it doesn't sound like you're a finicky audiophile. In which case, I recommend ported since it'll be cheaper and perfectly fine for your needs.

 

[alcoholbob]

Sealed designs also have lower cycle delay which is popular for audiophiles.