Does Plugging Bass Port Affect Pace, Rhythm and Timing?

Hi Jetter, 

It actually works the other way. Below the port resonance, driver excursion increases dramatically faster than with a sealed cabinet. 

Below resonance, the tube acts as a simple vent, eliminating the air-spring (i.e. acoustic suspension) portion of the cabinet. By plugging the cabinet, the air-spring remains working at all frequencies, controlling excusrion but also, of course, reducing bass up to a point. 

At around -10 to -20 dB sealed and ported speakers have about the same output.

Best,

E

One thing to consider is that the speaker designer chose the internal volume of the enclosure based on the fact that it is ported. He would have probably used a smaller enclosure if he was using the same woofer in a sealed application. With the port plugged, there will be unintended consequences---you will have changed the performance and behavior of the woofer.

Plugging the port of a speaker tends to reduce efficiency, does it not?

OK, guys - I plugged the ports, and it really reduced that mid bass bloat by a lot. The music is much more balanced now, and those sweet highs are much more to the fore. I think I'll live with this configuration for a while before I try anything else like moving the speakers from the walls with and without plugs. Thanks for all your help!