Does Plugging Bass Port Affect Pace, Rhythm and Timing?


Hi, I recently purchased a used pair of Monitor Audio Silver S1 bookshelf speakers for, well, my bookshelf. :\  As expected, the presentation is a little muddy, and the highs not as extended as they might be otherwise on these speakers known for the quality of their tweeters.  I am about to try plugging the ports to see if any improvement could be had. I was wondering if there is any downside to plugging the ports on a bass reflex design as far as bass accuracy and speed. 
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Hi Rwinner,

Not really. Actually my S1's came with plugs. Reducing the bass is a good idea when you have speakers not really designed for close boundary locations. It will help even out the bass response. 

You 

Best,

E
my best friend has s1's in his study . He found them muddy until he moved them away from the wall, need about 10 inches behind them & some distance in front, improved dramatically. 
Mine are about 6" from the wall right now.  I'll try moving them out 4 more inches first before plugging the ports to see what that does. The only down side is esthetics - having the front of the speakers out over the edge of the shelf. But I could learn to live with it if the sound improved dramatically! 
OK, I will do that, and see how it works out. I don't have the original port plugs, but I do have some large chunks of foam material I could use (or just go with a pair of socks).