Woofing "Q"

Woofer enclosure doesn't matter. You want to get the balance correct, and therefore the loudness of the sub does matter. Any powered sub I know has the means to vary the output. I have found that subs that fire down...or anyway, not directly out are the best for integration.

My Rythmik subs have variable Q. Seamless integration (to my ear) was often possible at more than one "Q" setting. Sometimes, my preferred Q setting changed, depended on other x-over variables (like slope and and x-over frequency). And, even though seamless integration was possible at different Q settings, the overall character of the system definitely changed, depending on which combo of Q and other parameters was chosen.

Generally speaking, I found that it is definitely possible to "mismatch" the Q of the sub and main speaker (when it's wrong, you'll know it), but there is no one perfectly "right" answer. I suspect that some degree of experimentation is probably useful to optimize Q to personal preference. I would personally recommend a sub with variable Q for this reason.

Marty

I understand that level and xover point are adjustable and must be optiomised first but adjustable dampining Now that's a new concept . Marty: is it more noticible to have an over damped sub (lower number) compaired to the monitor or the other way around.

I'm not sure I have a great answer for that. Slightly underdamping the sub can make the system feel a bit more dynamic and punchy, slight overdamping it can make it seem more transparent. Too much damping and things can go dry and lifeless. However, for me, extreme underdamping is probably the worst condition so, twist my arm, and I'll say that underdamping the sub is worse.

If the Q of your sub is a lot higher than your speakers then you will lose detail in the bass and lower mids and the sound will not be as clean and tight.

Sealed subs are really the only way to go if you seek quality rather than an HT sound - but the investment in a sealed sub could be wasted if your speakers are designed with high Q (most speakers with impressive bass extension and small woofers with a port are tuned to a high Q)