Which do you think would sound better with 12" subs in a xb, sealed or ported?
I want to start building my sub box, but dont want to waste my time and build the wrong style so I figured most of you already have the different box types and I want your opinions.

Thanks for your input....

 

I have a sealed box w/ my 2 alpine type e 10's sounds great

 

Sound better = sealed. Louder = ported.

A 2 x 12 ported box is going to be big. My 2 x 12 sealed wedge is already 2.2 cu/ft. Pretty much fills up the rear area. See my profile.

Going sealed...be sure to put some power to them!

 

go sealed. i have a ported and i hate it.

 

^^ is your ported box tuned specificly for the subwoofers you have in it or is it a box that is pre-fabbed??

Ported boxes need to be built around the specs of the subwoofers that will be installed in them...

I actually prefer the sound of a 30Hz ported box most of the time.... obviously with sealed, you'll get a flatter response curve, but I like the ported best....anything tuned above 32-35Hz is crap for the most part IMO....

 

a properly constructed (yep constructed NOT bought) ported box, can potentially sound as good if not better than a sealed box, be sure while building them, tune it to your liking (i like 30-33 best) and be sure to factor in the displacement of the subwoofer while considering volume, on some subs, especially those with large magnets, this is particularly important, because it will throw off the tuning in some cases.


Most "pre-fab" ported boxes are tuned in upwards of 40 htz, and most of the time are way undersized for your sub. Consult the Maunual or fact sheet that came with the sub, and find out what the recomended box size is, and go from there.


You can also make up the slight loss in frequency response with a good, properly installed set of mid's in your doors.


oh yeah, i love my ported box

 

I have 2 10"s in a ported box, I think it sounds good, I got no complaints other than from time to time it seems to be a bit boomy...I sometimes wish that the sound would be a bit tighter...

 

The replies are awesome, thanks for the feedback. I do love the sound of a properly ported box but I hear alot about the sealed boxes sounding better, so I had to ask your opinions.
Should I bridge the subs or leave them left and right?

 

A _properly designed_ ported box is awesome. More efficient, louder, sounds great.

That being said, a properly sized sealed box will sound good every time...easy, no guesswork. Also will go lower (10~20hz area) and has a flatter in car response. Just needs more power than a ported setup.

Bridge the amp and go mono if your ohm loads work out.

 

IVE GOT 2-15" DVC DIRECTED AUDIO SUBS IN A CUSTOM SLOT PORT BOX....TUNED TO 50 HRZ.......FREAKIN LOUD!!! THATS HOW I LIKE IT!!! JUST FILL UP THE BACK!!! THATS HOW WE DO IT IN MAUI HAWAII!!! ILL POST PIXZ WHEN IM DONE WITH IT!! IM POWERIN TYHE 15'S WITH A POWER ACOUSTIK 2400 MONO BLOCK! MY CHOICE IS PORTED FOR SURE!!! ITS LOUDER AND POUNDS HARDER!!

 

Hope you don't plan on listening to anything except test tones... with a 50Hz tune, the musical qualities of the enclosure are non-existant... 50Hz is made for one thing and one thing only, SPL....

 

From what I have heard it depends on what kind of music you listen to most often also. A ported box is better for slower bass hits (such as hip-hop), while a sealed box is better for faster bass hits (such as rock). Just what i have heard.

 

Build both you big baby!

We talked about it tonight and I gave you my 2 cents on it. If you would like, I will get a hold of Hank and get the perfect answer for you