plugging port on vtf-3?

[sdj544]

Excuse me if this is sacrilege. But I was wondering what would
happen if one plugged the port on a VTF-3. With my setup, I may have
to have a front-firing only sub. So when I was still half asleep this morning,
I thought to myself, "what would happen if I plugged the port on a vtf-3?"
So I figured it can't hurt to ask.
-SDJ

[cschang]

SDJ,

If you get a chance, read the online manual.

Plugging the a port on the VTF series of subs in an option and allows for great extension and deeper bass. That is currently how I use my VTF-3. Infact, that is the default way that it is shipped.

All that is required is to plug the port, and put mode switch in the proper position.

curtis

[Sasha_G]

With one port plugged and the switch flipped to max-extension, the VTF-3 bass extension delves from around 21-22 Hz to 18 Hz. It was designed to offer this flexibility.

[sdj544]

I was thinking the VTF-3 had only one port.
What happens if both are plugged?

-SDJ

[Sasha_G]

With both ports plugged, the deep bass would be missing and the frequency response would be all messed up. The sub would become a sealed subwoofer, which it is not designed to do. The ports reproduce the deepest notes by harnessing the moving air.

[sdj544]

Thats what I figured. I can't decide what to do.
I really like what I've heard and read about the VTF-3, but I'm not quite sure its the best fit for my situation.
The problem I'm facing, is that I'm going to be putting the sub in a built-in cabinet.
My cabinet maker is going to build a special sand filled base for the sub to reside on, so the sub will be physically
isolated from the cabinet. The door will be a frame with speaker cloth.
The sub will be in its own compartment. Nothing above or below.
The dimensions of the sub compartment are: 26"w X 22"d X 25"h
So I would have to turn the VTF-3 sideways, which I'm told is doable. But I'm worried about that woofer blasting straight into the side of the cabinet.
It seems like what would be best would be a sealed, front firing
sub. But I can't find one whose performance I like for less than
a $1000. I could go with the VTF-2, but I'm worried it won't go
quite as low and loud as I want. Someone suggested the Velodyne CHT-15, or the Adire Dharman, but I can't seem to find any real tests or reviews to know how they actually perform. The SVS PB1 is the only other sub that seems to be close to the HSU's in performance/price. Its down-firing, but I don't know if thats better or I might as well just go with the sideways VTF-3.
I guess I could always take advantage of your return policy.
Still, VTF-3, or VTF-2?
sorry for rambling,
SDJ

[cschang]

SDJ,

Out of curiosity, who is your cabinet maker?

curtis

[sdj544]

Jim Dolittle at Doopoco Enterprises in Thousand Oaks, CA.
The cabinets will be installed in a couple of weeks, but so far he
has been an absolute pleasure to deal with.
Problem is he needs to know by Monday what sub I'm going with, so he
can build the base. So thats why I have to hurry up and make my decision.
-SDJ

[Dr_Hsu]

The VTF-3 would be great. Since you are local, come by and listen (Thousand Oaks is not too far). The wave lengths are very long compared to the dimensions of the cabinet and firing sideways should not affect the results significantly.

[cschang]

SDJ,

I went to Dopoco's website. Their work looks beautiful!

curtis

[sdj544]

Yeah, he does great work. Can't wait to see what our pieces look like.
For the type of work he does, his prices seem to be pretty reasonable to.

Looks like I'm going with the VTF-3 then.
I've been wanting to stop by and listen, but haven't had the chance.
Anyway, I don't really trust auditions. Everything sounds different once I get it home. Its only after I live with something for a while that I can make up my
mind about it.
But I'm going to wait til I get my cabinets before I order.
Any savings for picking it up? Any chance of picking it up on a Saturday?
You're usually closed then, right?
-SDJ

[Sasha_G]

We always appreciate people coming buy and paying in cash, and with the free shipping going on right now we can eat the sales tax if you come down and pay cash. It must be cash though. Plus we like meeting our customers.

We are closed on Sat. & Sun., but if you call and make an appointment on a Monday, it is possible someone might be there to meet you til 6-7 pm.

There are a lot of variables that go into putting a woofer into a cabinet. One of the main things is that the ports need about 3 inches of clearance to keep their tuning correct and reduce turbulence. Another big factor is managing heat. Maybe Dr. Hsu has some more insight on this...

[Lwang]

What happened to the port tube designs like the U shaped or tube within a tube?

[Dr_Hsu]

Sometimes we can work something out for weekend pickups. Depends on our schedule. The sub would work fine in a cabinet as long as you have adequate space around the sub and openings for the bass to get out. Sounds like you should not have any problems.

[sdj544]

Well, I finally got the cabinets installed.
They look gorgeous! Great craftmanship.
Now I need to order a sub. The only problem is that now the final dimensions of the sub compartment ended up being 24 1/4 w X 22 1/4 d, which means the VTF-3 is going to be a little tight. :( I was really looking forward to the VTF-3, but the nature of the space my cabinets are in, I didn't really have a choice.
So now I'm back to deciding between the VTF-2, and the SVS PB1-ISD.
Decisions, decisions.

-SDJ