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Protip: Using a sub? Plug your mains

Merry holidays, or drinking season, whichever you celebrate I support you.

For those of you with ported main speakers and subs, here’s a big tip: Plug your main speakers.

It will reduce the bass output, but also greatly reduce the movement of the driver below the port frequency. This combination increases the dynamic range, and reduces distortion, especially when used with a line level high pass filter. It also often makes integrating the subs easier thanks to less overlap. Use a sock, preferably yours and clean unless you are some weirdo. You don’t have to stuff the entire port length, just plug the end tight. I won’t be held responsible for those of you who lose their intimates inside their speakers.

erik_squires
erik_squires OP
16,373 posts
 

@erik_squires How does plugging the port keep the amp from trying to play down low? I don’t have any high or low pass filters in my system. I want to try your suggestion but can you explain why physically plugging the port will change the amp’s output? I realize it will change the outcome, but why would it change the out put?

 

Hi @hilde45 - I’m sorry if I mistyped but you are 100% correct. The amplifier’s output is a function of it’s input, for the most part. If you mean, why does dynamic range get improved, it is because the speaker’s excursion below the original tuning frequency is no longer as big. That means there’s more excursion left for the music above that Hz.

As you have guessed though, the amplifier's voltage swing for those notes remains the same.

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Very interesting post Erik thank you. 

totem395
390 posts
 

Socks everybody has them give it a try, I did some time ago but went 

back to wearing them. Lots of variables will affect the results.

Post removed 
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
276 posts
 

It all depends on what you want.  I do not recommend filling the port or reducing the volume of your enclosure unless your speakers are poorly designed in the first place (or if they are designed to be optionally plugged).

I use a small REL sub using the high level inputs and turn it down (level and crossover) 'til it sound good.

Note:  I seldom listen above 70-75dB.  If you want louder with more thump I don't know what to tell you.

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