What is the trade-off between sealed and vented box?
A vented box provides higher output between the tuning frequency (which is 20 Hz in most cases) to 40 Hz, and almost no improvement above 50 Hz. Most of the vented box gain in output comes from the enclosure size. That is, a vented box needs a larger enclosure to gain more SPL output. Distortion is lower in the region where the vent has significant output. The transient response of a vented box is inferior, and below tuning the driver unloads completely. This means there is a risk of bottoming and for high output a rumble filter is required. Many subwoofers do not provide this, and as a result, they will bottom when deep bass is required at high output unless the subwoofer is used well below its maximum output. Another downside of the vented box is that output from the rear of the driver will always escape through the vent. This output is outside of the intended bandwidth of the vent. The trade-offs of a vented box are generally considered most appropriate for home theatre use. A seale
