Protip: Using a sub? Plug your mains

@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. :)

@erik_squires Wrote:

 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. :)

I agree! :-)