Regarding port positions in center channel speakers

If I intend to place a center channel speaker into a cabinet enclosure (that is, the speaker will not be free-standing), will rear-facing ports cause a problem with sound clarity? I'm considering the ES35 (with rear-facing ports) or the XT35 (with front-facing ports.) I'm leaning towards the ES35, but would like to know if it's unwise to "bury" the ports in the cabinet. I am using Polk S60 towers for my main speakers.
TIA

Answers

  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,942
    If you do put it inside the cabinet, is there room enough for the ports to breathe?

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • The depth of the speaker is 6", and the enclosure is more than a foot deep. Also, the cabinet opening is wider than the speaker by a couple of inches, so there's no chance it won't be able to breathe. There would be only less than 1" clearance at the top of the speaker. Attached is an image to better show this.
    I'm just unsure of how much sound actually emanates from a port. I've never owned speakers with ports on the back.
    hcc6xuwiqtjo.jpg
    Thanks for your response. Looking forward to your opinion.
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,942
    The ports allow the drivers to sound as if they are able to provide a lower frequency response than what they are actually rated for. Installing a rear facing ported center would have a "chestier" sound (if you will) than that of a front ported center. Either one would be good in this case, it would basically boil down to the preference in the sound you are looking to achieve. The clarity would basically be unaffected, but the actual sound itself would differ between the two.

    Ultimately, the best sound would come from an unobstructed speaker not being in a cabinet at all.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,655
    edited November 4
    Bad idea. Bass sounds will be boomy/bloated. Get the one with front ports.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,942
    That's exactly what I mean by a "chestier" sound. It's not a bad idea, it's a preference.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,769
    F1nut wrote: »
    Bad idea. Bass sounds will be boomy/bloated. Get the one with front ports.

    Dang, I didn't know you could choose which side the ports are on, great idea.
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 26,915
    skipshot12 wrote: »
    F1nut wrote: »
    Bad idea. Bass sounds will be boomy/bloated. Get the one with front ports.

    Dang, I didn't know you could choose which side the ports are on, great idea.

    Basically you cannot, it's not like they make the same speaker with ports in the back or front. You're choosing a completely different speaker that may be ported to the front.