I have some technical questions about ports.

I noticed in the 360 degree view of the center speakers that they don't have a port. Since all of the towers and bookshelves, except the MZeroti, have a port, why don't the center speakers? What is the impact to the sound of a speaker with a port vs one without a port?

Along that line, why do the towers have ports in front and back? Does this make them easier or harder to position, expecially in tight quarters, like between the side of an entertainment center and a wall where you may only have a foot or two of room? What would be the difference if the speaker only had a single larger front port?

Actually the subject should read "To Port or not to Port". Boy, can't even get the subject line right. I think I want a neural interface. Although, with my thought processes, who knows what these posts might say if that was possible.

Hi ajb,

Actually, I like a port with a nice cheese after dinner. Ha, ha.

Seriously, the front and rear ports have nothing to do with ease of postioning. If the speaker had only one front port, it would be just as subject to "boundary effects" from the floor, wall behind it, and the side of the ent. center. That's because bass isn't very directional. When it emerges from a front woofer and port or ports, it spreads out around the speaker and the nearby surfaces. So even an acoustic-suspension (sealed box) design is just as susceptible to placement effects as any other speaker.

I'll get back to you on the sealed vs. ported center issue.

Regards,

Thanks Alan. I will be looking forward to your response on the center speaker port question.