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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. 
128x128rwinner
erik_squires
16,138 posts
 
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
file1man's avatar
file1man
9 posts
 
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. 
rwinner's avatar
rwinner OP
37 posts
 
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! 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,701 posts
 
Why not plug the ports and see if you like the sound better?
rwinner's avatar
rwinner OP
37 posts
 
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). 
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