rear port plugging

[ThA tRiXtA]

Hey guys,

Do any of you voluntarily plug the rear firing ports on your speakers? Given that I am going to be getting a LCD or plasma display for my new dedicated room, I guess I will have to get a shelf and mount my center channel close to the wall... which will mean I will have to plug the rear ports on it.

I used to put my center channel on top of my LCD projection TV which was spaced from the wall a foot or two, but I won't have that option anymore. I am also going to have to plug the rear ports on the new surround speakers I bought because the speaker mounts for them only give like 2 or 3 inches of space between the speaker and the wall.

My main question being, if you plug those ports, are you not messing with the characteristics or tuning of the speaker enclosure? I am not wanting to plug them, especially the center whose role in the home theater is so delicate, but it's not looking like I am going to have much of a choice.

 

[bandphan]

how about a stand under the tv?

 

[Gimpy Ric]

The ports are there for a reason. The deepest bass comes from the port, but it also tunes the enclosure for the drivers so that they have the flattest response possible. 2-3 inches is better than none.

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

I was considering that Bandphan, I guess I could get a small end table or something and just cover it in a nice fabric or make it look nice somehow.

Is it better to place the center above the TV and angle it down, or place it below and angle it up?

That still leaves the surrounds, however.

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

I see what you're saying Rick, and trust me I'd rather not plug them but having a speaker that reproduces low frequency sound into a very close wall really can muddle up your sound, or so I understand?

 

[bandphan]

under is fine, when i do in walls, i try to stay under the display t stay with the tweeter placement of the mains. We have done several setups where the center is stand mounted 2' from the wall display, typically when there is a triggered/electric drop down screen. Some delay might be needed with dialogue. If you handy building a stand, with a nice stain, is quite simple.

 

[mouettus]

Hey guys,

Do any of you voluntarily plug the rear firing ports on your speakers? Given that I am going to be getting a LCD or plasma display for my new dedicated room, I guess I will have to get a shelf and mount my center channel close to the wall... which will mean I will have to plug the rear ports on it.

I used to put my center channel on top of my LCD projection TV which was spaced from the wall a foot or two, but I won't have that option anymore. I am also going to have to plug the rear ports on the new surround speakers I bought because the speaker mounts for them only give like 2 or 3 inches of space between the speaker and the wall.

My main question being, if you plug those ports, are you not messing with the characteristics or tuning of the speaker enclosure? I am not wanting to plug them, especially the center whose role in the home theater is so delicate, but it's not looking like I am going to have much of a choice.

You're not too far from my place. Come see my system. One speaker (2 rear ports) is 2-3" from the wall max and it's not THAT bad. I'd say try it both ways and if it really bothers you then plug them.

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

Can you elaborate on why I would need to possibly get a delay adjustment if I put my center where you're suggesting? Is the delay adjustment on the receiver good enough?

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

You're not too far from my place. Come see my system. One speaker (2 rear ports) is 2-3" from the wall max and it's not THAT bad. I'd say try it both ways.

What do you mean by THAT bad? Do you even notice a difference at all?

 

[mouettus]

What do you mean by THAT bad? Do you even notice a difference at all?

It's a little more boomy, muddy. But not enough to make me cry. depends of your musical tastes and what you are looking for in terms of sound. In movies, a little less accuracy can't kill you. And you're gaining in SPLs.

 

[bandphan]

Can you elaborate on why I would need to possibly get a delay adjustment if I put my center where you're suggesting? Is the delay adjustment on the receiver good enough?

thats what i was saying, through the recv.

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

Hmm, I guess I will give it a shot and see how it sounds, I probably will end up building a stand for under the TV for the center channel anyways.

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

thats what i was saying, through the recv.

Oh, I thought you may have meant purchasing a 3rd party EQ type device.

 

[bandphan]

It's a little more boomy, muddy. But not enough to make me cry. depends of your musical tastes and what you are looking for in terms of sound. In movies, a little less accuracy can't kill you. And you're gaining in SPLs.

I wouldnt heed that advice at all, why when there is a solution that doesnt affect the sound would you do so? I dont get that. A little more of anything bad is still bad.

 

[croseiv]

By plugging the port(s), you will change the speaker from a ported to a sealed speaker. It will take it out of its design characteristics completely. Unless it was designed to be plugged, I would not do it. You could over stress the woofers (making them work harder to achieve desired output).

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

Thanks guys, as always you've all been much help!

 

[mouettus]

By plugging the port(s), you will change the speaker from a ported to a sealed speaker. It will take it out of its design characteristics completely. Unless it was designed to be plugged, I would not do it. You could over stress the woofers (making them work harder to achieve desired output).

My RC-70s come with port plugs. So I guess it was designed either way. What floats your boat.

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

So what makes you not use them being in such close proximity to the wall?

Just couldn't be bothered?

 

[mouettus]

So what makes you not use them being in such close proximity to the wall?

Just couldn't be bothered?

That and the fact that they play a little bit deeper so they blend better with the subwoofer. (that esw-v10 is amazing btw).

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

That and the fact that they play a little bit deeper so they blend better with the subwoofer. (that esw-v10 is amazing btw).

That's awesome that you're still so pumped about your new sub, you know it was a good purchase when you still are reeling from it a week or two later.

I can only hope I will have the same response to my new stuff.