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 arrived to find two technicians on their lunch break busily helping a lost parcel delivery guy waylaid with items. This bode well for assessing the character of Source Sounds. A replacement head unit and the re wiring of a sub made me self concious that I was not their biggest customer. I could not have been more wrong. They squeezed my job in that very day and phoned me as soon as all was complete. I never had to repeat anything twice. Lee’s perseverance and tenacity was infectious. Several minor issues that I had tolerated previously are now history. I thoroughly recommend this company.

— Nick Kilner

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

I began researching an audio upgrade to my BMW and have visited several high end car audio specialists in the North West to get advice on possible options and costs …then I visited SOURCE. On walking in I was initially impressed with the SOURCE showroom display and the range of options to sample.There really is something to suit all budgets ,certainly far more comprehensive and wide ranging than any others I visited in the North West . The real “gem” of SOURCE is however their very detailed knowledge of all the technical and “fit” aspects and most especially the time they are prepared to spend talking through technical /price options without pressure to buy .As a result I returned a second time and again experienced the same friendly non pushy very informed advice as we explored the possibilities in a little more depth.Every question I had was answered,time was ,once again, not an issue and nothing was too much trouble including phone calls to suppliers to check availability/latest spec for my car etc .In the end I genuinely felt they wanted to advise the best system for me and definitely not just the most expensive. I am convinced you cannot get better than SOURCE for your car audio needs ,excellence like this is very rare in my experience and I strongly suggest you call in to this 5 star outfit – you wont be disappointed and I reckon you will be totally satisfied/blown away with the result if you buy.