Choosing an Enclosure
A guide to choosing between sealed and ported subwoofer enclosures, and their tradeoffs.
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Skar Audio identifies two primary enclosure styles: Sealed and Ported (Vented), each serving different audio preferences.
Sealed Enclosures
Sealed enclosures offer space efficiency and specific tonal characteristics.
- Choosing a sealed enclosure will allow you to use less airspace, making your enclosure more space-friendly within a vehicle
- Produces a more accurate, punchy sounding style of bass
- Ideal for listeners prioritizing precision and compact installations
Ported Enclosures
Ported designs demand more careful planning.
- You typically are going to be needing more airspace than a sealed enclosure for the same subwoofer as you have to consider displacement for the port(s)
- The size and length of the port determine a tuning of the enclosure
- Improper tuning will decrease the overall effectiveness and performance of the subwoofer
- Louder output potential when properly tuned
Selection Philosophy
The selection of the style of the enclosure is highly subjective and based upon the end goal. Consider your priorities regarding:
- Sound quality preferences
- Space constraints
- Installation complexity
