Protip: Using a sub? Plug your mains


Merry holidays, or drinking season, whichever you celebrate I support you.

For those of you with ported main speakers and subs, here’s a big tip: Plug your main speakers.

It will reduce the bass output, but also greatly reduce the movement of the driver below the port frequency. This combination increases the dynamic range, and reduces distortion, especially when used with a line level high pass filter. It also often makes integrating the subs easier thanks to less overlap. Use a sock, preferably yours and clean unless you are some weirdo. You don’t have to stuff the entire port length, just plug the end tight. I won’t be held responsible for those of you who lose their intimates inside their speakers.

erik_squires

@erik_squires How does plugging the port keep the amp from trying to play down low? I don't have any high or low pass filters in my system. I want to try your suggestion but can you explain why physically plugging the port will change the amp's output? I realize it will change the outcome, but why would it change the out put?

@erik_squires 

You recently accused me of vague unprovable positions and a complete lack of evidence. Don't you think its hypocritical to claim without evidence that there is a reduction in distortion and excursion by plugging the port? Let us all see some evidence of this claim. None of us want to risk damaging our expensive speakers by following your advice.

You have also claimed that:

This combination increases the dynamic range, and reduces distortion, especially when used with a line level high pass filter.

What evidence do you have that using a line level high pass filter and then plugging the port brings additional benefits than just using a high pass filter alone?

It also often makes integrating the subs easier thanks to less overlap. 

Does it? Do you have any evidence of this ease with which the sub can be integrated? Or should we just take your word for it? Isn't it hypocritical of you to accuse me of being vague when you are being just as vague when you say that it becomes easier to integrate the subs?  Would this integration be done by ear or is it measurable?

My sub has the ability to contour/adjust the levels of specific audio bands (parabolic equalizer) so that I can integrate the sub with my mains.  With the use of a microphone, I can plot the frequency response of my room.  Not sure what the benefit would be with plugging the rear ports. 

@erik_squires Wrote:

Protip: Using a sub? Plug your mains

I would not block ports on my main speakers without first asking the manufacturer's advice. Blocking the ports would change the tuning frequency of the speakers. Keep in mind, if your speakers did not come with port plugs the woofers may not be designed to use them. 😎 See below:

Mike

 

@ditusa - Read the last paragraph of the article you quoted. It's pretty much what I'm saying, only the author of the article doesn't consider in his writing the benefits of a plug when using a sub and not a  line level filter. :)