Flared port tube vs straight port tube

Arctos · « **on:** 6 Jan 2004, 01:03 am »

Greetings,
Does anyone know just how much (if any) difference flared ends on port tubes make? I am about to purchase port tubes for my latest DIY project and want to know if it is worth the $$$ to get the ones that are flared on both ends. I also see some that are flared on one end.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Regards,

RDS

IanATC · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Jan 2004, 01:23 am »

Take it from me, because I hate ported bass.

The flare helps a LOT. Especially on larger woofers and subs. It cuts down the turbulence at the opening, and drastically reduces the potential for chuffing/port noise. Note that B&W and many others are only making some form of flared port now.

Flaring is worth it.

Arctos · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Jan 2004, 02:54 am »

Thanks IanATC,
I guess I will spend the extra cash and get the units from Audioexpress that have the flares on both ends. I wish they made one that had a 3.5 inch internal diameter though. I will have to go with a 4" model and it will be about 10" long to work for my cabinet. It will fit, but there will only be about 4 inches of clearance from the end of the inside port to the inside of the baffle. I hope this will not be an issue.

Regards,

RDS

IanATC · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 06:42 pm »

It should not be. I think the venturi principal is important here. If the tube is too thin vs volume of air, it will act like a whistle. I have seen designs that place the port fairly close to the driver with good success.

Check out the (whopper) port size on TALON audio speakers. those suckers are HUUUGE.

The KEF 103.3 AND 104.2 use a chamber loading, that utilizes a very robust (4" +/-) tube opening. No noise.

FWIW, If ports are utilised, then I prefer down, or rear firing ports. Front firing ports are asking for problems. They can sound good, but this application can fall badly. I have heard ports that make noise, and report midrange sound through them. That is aweful.

Brian Bunge · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Jan 2004, 09:54 pm »

I also agree that you should use flared ports whenever possible. The added cost is well worth it, especially for a subwoofer.

Arctos · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 02:17 am »

Thanks guys,
I will definitely get the flared ports. I do plan on a rear ported design, which is how the original KLS-9's are designed, but I have made a few modifications.

Regards,

RDS

Arctos · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 02:17 am »

Thanks guys,
I will definitely get the flared ports. I do plan on a rear ported design, which is how the original KLS-9's are designed, but I have made a few modifications.

Regards,

RDS

Arctos · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Jan 2004, 02:17 am »

Thanks guys,
I will definitely get the flared ports. I do plan on a rear ported design, which is how the original KLS-9's are designed, but I have made a few modifications.

Regards,

RDS