Plugging port of 626's when using sub

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spectralman

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Plugging port of 626's when using sub
« on: 15 Feb 2004, 03:08 am »
I will be using 626's for LRC along with an undetermined sub for my fledgling home theater system.  It will be driven by a (for now) unmodded SA-XR45.

How about plugging the port of the L & R 626's?  What will be the low freq. response vs. unplugged ports?  Will doing this relieve any of the power demand on the XR45 re/low freq?  Will this tighten up the bass response of the 626's?  Also, just out of curiosity, what is the freq. range sent to the center channel?  Sorry, but I'm a complete newbie when it comes to home theater.  Any and all comments are appreciated.

Bill

jonbee

Plugging port of 626's when using sub
« Reply #1 on: 15 Feb 2004, 04:54 pm »
Plugging the ports is a parameter for exploration, with both positive and negative effects. If the 626s are close to the wall, experimenting with materials of varying densities (from loose fiber, loose nylon stockings, all the way to foam plugs) may improve tuning and prevent excessive bass, but the tonal and dynamic quality of the bass will change. There is no one answer, but I would get the best room position first, then experiment with the ports. Your own ears and taste will tell you if it works. I'm using a VMPS NOS sub, with soundcoat and megawoofer, driven by a Hypex HS200  amp (x-d at 50 hz.) with 626s which for decor reasons are only about 8" from the rear wall. I have settled on foam plugs after over a full year's trial and error. More space behind the 626s would be a better arrangement. This sub and amp replaced my Legacy Impact sub, and is a match made in heaven, as well as a total steal at under $1k. I would not consider any sub but VMPS for a VMPS system, unless space is at an absolute premium. The blend is perfect, and the quantity and quality of the bass is SOTA for a real world price. Have fun!

John Casler

Re: Plugging port of 626's when using sub
« Reply #2 on: 15 Feb 2004, 05:22 pm »
Quote from: spectralman
I will be using 626's for LRC along with an undetermined sub for my fledgling home theater system.  It will be driven by a (for now) unmodded SA-XR45.

How about plugging the port of the L & R 626's?  What will be the low freq. response vs. unplugged ports?  Will doing this relieve any of the power demand on the XR45 re/low freq?  Will this tighten up the bass response of the 626's?  Also, just out of curiosity, what is the freq. range sent to the center channel?  Sorry, but I'm a complete newbie when it comes to home theater.  Any and all comments are appreciated.

Bill


Hi Bill,

Plugging the port "will not" change the power needed to drive the 626.

It will only reduce the LF response.  While I am no electrical engineer, it might even slightly add to cone resistance, which (I'm reaching here) may even increase power requirement slightly.

spectralman

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Plugging port of 626's when using sub
« Reply #3 on: 16 Feb 2004, 01:46 am »
Thanks everyone.  Keep 'em coming!

James Romeyn

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Plugging port of 626's when using sub
« Reply #4 on: 18 Feb 2004, 05:33 am »
Jonbee's answer is good.  Cutoff freq of sealed is higher than reflex.  The HP cutoff of a reflex enclosure is 4th order, sealed is 2nd order.  A woofer's power handling is reduced when reflex loaded vs. sealed, because the fixed air volume increases resistance & acts as a spring.  The elecrical impedance is increased in a sealed cabinet vs. reflex, because the reflex port damps the output at resonance.  Port noise can become audible when/if in the range of Mach 1.  Room modes can become more troublesome ported vs. sealed.  Reflex transients are not as accurate as sealed.  Lastly, a reflex woofer will be unloaded (no air damping it's movement whatsoever) when/if input signals are below the port's tuning frequency.  This can be dangerous esp with record warps, causing the woofer to pump uncontrollably.    

So many variables......