When choosing speakers, many people will focus on the parameters, but in fact the cabinet design is one of the keys to determine the sound quality. Especially for low-frequency performance, the difference between the two common cabinet designs, sealed and ported, is quite obvious. Sealed Speakers sound clean, suitable for people who like precise sound; while ported is better at creating that surging low-frequency atmosphere. So, which one do you think would suit you? Don’t think too hard about it; let’s discuss.
What Is a Sealed Speaker?
The sealed speaker, also called the closed speaker, is an enclosure that is completely closed, without any holes for ventilation. The vibration of the speaker unit causes the air inside the cabinet to act like a “gas spring,” which works to control the movement of the diaphragm.
The advantages of Sealed Speakers include better and tighter bass that is often cleaner and more detailed since there isn’t any other airflow present. They have excellent transient response, which allows fast-changing low-frequency sounds-from drumbeats to basslines-to be reproduced with better quality. Also, Sealed Speakers are typically small, so they can usually work in smaller environments.
Nonetheless, the sealed speaker has its own drawbacks. To begin with, it is generally less efficient. Without the support of extra airflow, a Sealed Speaker needs more power to make the same volume as a ported speaker. Furthermore, the limited bass extension means that the peanut is rarely as capable as it is in the ported speaker.
What Is a Ported Speaker?
Ported Speakers enhance low-frequency output by using air flow inside and outside the cabinet through a pilot hole (Port) in the cabinet. This design allows the same speaker unit to produce a stronger, more energetic output at low frequencies.
Advantages of ported speakers include more powerful and thicker bass, and thanks to the presence of the pilot hole, ported speakers are able to provide greater low-frequency output at the same power. It’s more efficient, and a ported speaker can produce a greater sound pressure level with less power than a sealed speaker.
However, Ported Speakers have drawbacks. For example, the bass can be loose and less controlled, and due to the presence of a pilot hole, the bass may not be tight enough to produce a ‘boom’. In addition, ported cabinets are usually larger because of the need to accommodate pilot holes and airflow channels. Finally, the pilot holes can produce noticeable port noise if the design is poor or the volume is too high.
The Main Differences Between the Two
Sound quality: Sealed Speakers have tighter, more precise bass and faster transient response, making them suitable for monitoring and hi-fi playback. Ported Speakers have more powerful bass and are suitable for applications with a high demand for low frequencies, such as cinema and electronic music.
Efficiency: ported speakers are more efficient than Sealed Speakers, producing more sound at the same power. Therefore, if you want stronger bass at the same power, ported speakers would be a better choice.
How to Choose the Right Speakers?
If you like precise and clear sound quality, and mainly listen to classical music, vocals, rock, etc., Sealed Speakers are a better choice. If you are more inclined to big dynamics and shocking bass, Ported Speakers are more suitable.
With limited space in the car, Sealed Speakers are easier to install and provide decent bass. If you like extreme bass and pursue shocking low-frequency effects, ported cabinets can provide greater bass output under the same conditions.
Well then, it all boils down to one’s personal preference. To say that it is not: a closed, supposedly dead, sealed speaker seems a good option for them who value accuracy in sound reproduction. It would be something entirely different for one oriented toward dB. You choose whichever way to roll, depending entirely on your listening habits or methods of driving after all. We hope that MR Audio’s suggestions assist you in making the best choice of speakers to fill your drives with company and fun. Rev the throttle, turn the music up, and enjoy your audio journey!