couple subwoofer questions

[Budnik 10+ year member]

is it better to have a higher frequency response?

is it better to have a higher dB?

what is the difference between having a ported subwoofer box and a non ported subwoofer box(which one thumps more)?

thanks

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[zane 10+ year member]

To answer your questions:

1.higher frequency response is only the measure ment of the frequnecies the sub can reproduce cleary. In a typical stereo the subwoofers are usually crossed over to block frequencies about 80Hz. So the higher frequency response should not be a guide to selecting your subs. With midrange and highs it does become a little more important. The whole idea of a sound system is to reproduce the entire audio spectrum- which is audible to human ears. These frequencies lie between 20Hz - 20Khz. As expected the larger diameter speakers reproduce the lower end while smaller size speakers reproduce the higher end.

2. db's or decibles are not something to be too concerned with overall in a SQ (sound quality) install, however, in a SPL (sound pressure level) install they are critical. SPL is basically how loud a system is. This is totally a personal preference here. Also, to note that if a sub says 92db rating on paper, that does not mean that it will only have 92db of output capability. That rating is its sensitivity/efficiency rating. Typically it is measured at with 1 watt at 1 meter. This is just a measurement of how efficient the speaker is at turning power into sound.

3. A ported enclosure is a little more complex in design as crossover frequency/tuning is done with port size. Typically a ported enclosure will be a little more on the "boomy" side of bass with a little less accuracy and power handling capabilities. However, it is the most efficient enclosure.

A sealed enclosure is the simplest in design, generally they are suited best for SQ applications becuase the response is tight and acurate. Not quite as efficient as the ported enclosure, however, they generally have a fairly flat frequency response and greater power handling.

Take it easy,

-zane

 

[Budnik 10+ year member]

thanks zane, you anwered all my ?'s.

 

[jbizzle 5,000+ posts]

No problem.