So the more I read about OB subs, and peoples reviews of them, the more intrigued I become. It seems the general OB sub design is universally loved. As I am coming to view this forum as my ears for things-that-which-I-have-not-heard, what are your all thoughts?

My own preference for bass is that it be crisp, clean and fast. I actually prefer it not to shake the walls, just sound as if it should/could... haha. I suppose this is more achievable with an OB design rather than a sealed or vented. But does this also mean that for HT use OB's are less effective, since you may loose that kick in the chest sensation? Or does an OB still give that?

Anyhow, share your thoughts!

Any good design can give you clean accurate bass, but there are tradeoffs with each choice of design.

For ported designs size is often an issue, but it gives you the best power efficiency. Poor design can lead to port noise.

For sealed, you gain the advantage of size, but trade off efficiency and some additional distortion (though its questionable whether or not said distortion is audible). You also need to EQ the bottom end.

I havn't looked at open baffle, so I don't know the trade-offs involved.