Sealed or Ported? That is the question we get asked a lot

March 25th, 2015

Sealed or Ported? That is the question

The most commonly asked question we get at Source Sounds is whether a subwoofer works best sealed or ported? In our opinion there is no definitive answer to this as everyone has their own opinions and preferences. All of us here at Source Sounds in Sheffield prefer the sound of a sealed subwoofer enclosure over the sound of a ported enclosure.

 

Sealed or Ported? Rainbow Hammer SW250 sealed subwoofer enclosureSealed Enclosures

A sealed subwoofer enclosure uses a specific volume of air for the type of subwoofer. As the woofer moves, it pulls the air forwards and backwards with no pressure loss which allows the subwoofer to reproduce the low frequencies more accurately than a ported box due to the air inside the enclosure acting like a shock absorber, allowing the subwoofer to move with more control thus giving better controlled sub bass.

 

Ported Enclosures

Sealed or Ported? That is the question. Hertz EBX250 ported enclosureA ported enclosure is something that is a little more tricky to build due to the nature of the box. For the subwoofer to perform to it’s optimum the port has to be a specific size. This includes correct measurements for the width, length and shape of the port. You can’t just stick a hole in a sealed box and turn it into a ported box. Having a ported enclosure allows the subwoofer to take advantage of the frequencies produced at the rear of the subwoofer. This reinforces the low frequency response of the subwoofer. This lower frequency response however will only sound good at whatever the tuned frequency of the port is.  This tuned frequency can be adjusted by altering the airs resistance to motion inside the port which is accomplished  by changing the length and width of the port.

 

In summary, ported enclosures can typically offer better low-end extension as well as greater output around the tuned frequency whereas a sealed enclosure will give a better frequency response across all frequencies with a more controlled output, which is why here at Source Sounds in Sheffield we prefer the sealed enclosure as it gives better sound quality overall than a ported subwoofer enclosure.

 

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Testimonials

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to yourself and your team on the fantastic job you did on my BMW 1 series. Initially I was stunned by what you guys had managed to achieve using a standard head unit. The sound quality is awesome, I am hearing things I have never heard in tracks I listen to time and time again. Now that I’ve had some quality listening time the system continues to only impress me. The install of the speakers and amplifier is exceptional to say the least. In line with the high level of standards you guys install to and combining this with the excellent customer service Source Sounds provide, I can only applaud you for the operation you guys have there. Thanks again (from a very happy customer)

— Ketan Ladd

Just wanted to say a massive thankyou to you guys at Source, especially Chris and Paul who over the past few weeks have impressed me no end. I went to them with a typically sub-standard BMW sound system, not really knowing how it should be improved and had a really friendly informal chat with Chris about the best route to take. What has impressed me most is that never at any point are the people here pushy – they really listen to your requirements and budget and make honest suggestions and give a number of options. Chris and Paul both spoke in some detail about what the issues were and how the problems could be addressed and I felt I was in safe, honest hands throughout the upgrade process. A whole new set of 3 way speaker set up and a new amp later the car sounds crystal clear like never before. Not wanting to change the head unit, the guys had solutions as to how to keep the car looking as factory as possible, and even asked me back in so they could check how the system has bedded in. Old components are carefully removed, allowing you to have them replaced should the car ever be sold. Their installation couldn’t be faulted and their customer service is genuinely excellent – polite, highly knowledgeable and above all honest, with their customer’s best interests at heart. I have no reservations in fully recommending them and have no doubt I will be back in future. Thanks again gents !! Jason

— Jason Turner

I recently visited Source Sounds to have a new security system fitted to my Land Rover Defender. They are 170 miles from where I live. The whole experience from the time I first made contact with them was superb, trouble free and a pleasure. Whilst there I also invested in a dash cam which they hard wired and fitted for me. Despite all of the work carried out, when I collected the vehicle there was no sign that anyone had interfered with vehicle, inside and out. Paul spent an hour plus with me on collection to explain the use of the items fitted. I was also assisted with hotel transport and securing my vehicle overnight. No wonder people travel miles to use their service. I won’t hesitate to use again.