Subs: sealed vs. ported


I need to add a sub. I don't have one now, so I'm not replacing anything, and I also don't have much in the way of preconceived notions. My reading is making me think sealed is preferred for music/2.1 channels, and ported is preferred for movies. Is this a fair assessment. I know everyone will have their own preferences for brands/models, and I'm open to suggestions, but it seems my first decision should be sealed or ported (or one of the brands that has ports and comes with plugs?)
english210
Yeah, I let it go...I got a ULS 15 coming for $700. I figure it may be a tad high for used, but if I really don't like I can get most of it back resale. SVS would have been first choice, but for half the money I figured I'd try this. Now the interminal wait for the brown truck. Thanks for all the input. It seems any of the 'main' manufacturers have their die-hard fans, and pros-cons, but ultimately the sonic differences are likely to be negligible in my system at my level of experience. Having nothing now, anything will be a huge improvement. Plus the all-important factor of SWMBO preferring the Rosenut finish to the black.

Next up: center channel, mains and real amplification....
Good to hear English,
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts once you'e spent some time with the ULS. I think you'll find it provides ample amounts of bass. Best of luck.
Not-so-patiently waiting for it...

Since my system is pulling double duty, 2 channel music and HT, are there any tricks/tips for hookup? Again, Yamaha RXA3010 AVR with sub-out. I'm hoping the sub's bass will relieve some of the load on my 2-channel amp powering the inefficient mains and squeeze a little better performance in 2-channel. When I select '2-Channel Stereo' on the AVR, does that drop the sub and make it literally 2-channel (as it is now), or can it be a sub-sat setup?
Ample??? Um...yeah, you could say that!! I have it basically setup - it's in the best spot in the room, just need to dial it in. But there's no lack of output!

Definitely helping the mains. I have an old demo disc I know well, and hearing details I haven't heard out of these speakers before. Not as good as the 805D's I listened to, or PM1's for that matter, but they were in a sound-conditioned room. I know what can be heard, let's just say that, and I know what I've been used to on this system, and there's a definite improvement. These main speakers aren't the best with imaging - they do well with vocals, not so great if lots of instruments get going - but they are having an easier time of it now.
I don't know much (anything) about your Yamaha, so wouldn't be able to offer any advice on settings. I suspect you've fiddled with bass settings "per mode". I know some AVRs offer the option either a basic crossover to the sub, or summing the low frequencies of both the mains and sub. This latter setting can cause bass bloat, especially if your mains aren't up to the task.

Best of luck with your setup!