Of course i know the sound differences in a ported or sealed box, my question is a bit more detailed than that.

I'm about to buy a Fi Q 12 and was stuck btwn building a tuned vented/ported box, or sealed. I listen to rock-metal-hardcore-etc. and rap. I know a ported will be perfect for rap but will it hit all the notes nicely for rock songs with quick bass?

I've heard that a properly tuned box will hit fine but will it be as accurate as a nice sized sealed box?

Thanks alot, much appreciated

The issue with ported boxes is that they exaggerate the lowend (30-50 hz) that the upper spectrum (60-80 hz) often appears very weak. What helps this situation is being able to apply more power during the rock songs to compensate. I'd suggest tuning a ported box to 35 hz and getting an amplifier with a remote gain knob. Then, set the gain on the amp with rock songs. This will likely cause you to turn the gain a little higher than if you were setting it with a rap song, so you'll have to realize that when you do play rap, you'll have to adjust the remote gain a little lower. Normally ported boxes have an xmax high about 10 hz above tuning, then slope down after that. So you just aren't getting the excursion at 70 hz that you will be at 40 hz with the rap songs, so a little extra power will boost it (but remember to stay within the thermal limits of the sub).

You will have no issues with a ported box. Having some real midbass up front though will help with EVERYTHING.

You will have no issues with a ported box. Having some real midbass up front though will help with EVERYTHING.

He can easily improve the midbass by working on the install(deadening, sealing holes,...).

If he has crappy speakers (and no amplifier), they will never give nice midbass enough !

For the box, if you have room, go ported and BIG and tune to 32hz.

The issue with ported boxes is that they exaggerate the lowend (30-50 hz) that the upper spectrum (60-80 hz) often appears very weak. What helps this situation is being able to apply more power during the rock songs to compensate. I'd suggest tuning a ported box to 35 hz and getting an amplifier with a remote gain knob. Then, set the gain on the amp with rock songs. This will likely cause you to turn the gain a little higher than if you were setting it with a rap song, so you'll have to realize that when you do play rap, you'll have to adjust the remote gain a little lower. Normally ported boxes have an xmax high about 10 hz above tuning, then slope down after that. So you just aren't getting the excursion at 70 hz that you will be at 40 hz with the rap songs, so a little extra power will boost it (but remember to stay within the thermal limits of the sub).

thats makes ALOT of sense. thanks!

You will have no issues with a ported box. Having some real midbass up front though will help with EVERYTHING.

yeah i figured that, i've been hesitant about getting new door speakers but i think i will soon. any recommendations on a good priced pair of speakers?? i was looking into the infinity reference speakers. those will be around my price range

infinity reference speakers.

Bleh! They are shit. You can do better even in that price range.

Install will make or break your midbass.

What have you listened to that you like?

Edit: they changed these recently I guess. My opinion was on the previous reference.

infinity reference speakers.

Bleh! They are shit. You can do better even in that price range.

Install will make or break your midbass.

What have you listened to that you like?

Edit: they changed these recently I guess. My opinion was on the previous reference.

haha well i've been doing some searching and found alot of good reviews on the reference series. (the newest ones of course) and they are CHEAP. i only want 2 way speakers for highs and midbass. mainly to pickup my midbass for quick bass in rock songs

actually i dont care, 2 way or 3 way, i just want highs and midbass

Edited June 25, 201015 yr by xAndrewx