Can either port be plugged? Also, hum issue

[bruce61]

I read in another thread that only one of the ports (with a cardboard tube) can be plugged with the provided foam plug.

I received my VTF-2 yesterday and I wanted to place it length wise against a wall, with the plugged hole facing the wall (to comply with the three inch clearance stated in the instructions). I merely switched the location of the foam plug from one side to another. Was this wrong? If necessary I can move the unit three inches from the wall and switch the plug back.

On another note, ultimately I want to build a wall unit for my equipment and RPTV. Can I install the subwoofer in a space that merely has three inches clearance on each side, and an inch or two on top?

I also have a hum which increases with volume (either on receiver or by subwoofer volume). I assume this is a ground loop issue. The cheater plug does not help, though there is no hum when the receiver is off. I use AR Pro subwoofer cable which is recessed behind moldings and difficult to change. Suggestions?

Thanks for the suggestions.

[bruce61]

As a follow-up to my post, I have moved the unit so that it can now be plugged on either side.

I would still like to know what people think about the unit being below (or within) a wall-unit, with the required three inch clearance to the side.

I am still dealing with the ground loop hum, but there are a number of other posts to help with that.

[Sorny]

I'd avoid placing the subwoofer in any sort of enclosure if at all possible. This could take the very flat frequency response and make it boomy due to close proximity to many surfaces.

YMMV,

Sorny

[Sasha_G]

Sorry for not responding earlier, but I did not see this post.

It is totally acceptable to change the side of the plug on the VTF-2. No issue there.

As for the cabinet, you can place the VTF-2 in a cavity in your room, provided the 3 inches is maintained on the back and top and side with the port, and 1 inch maintained on the other side.
However, it may just be that this cavity is not the best sounding place in the room. Also, if it is part of an entertainment cetner, you would probably need to secure loose objects to prevent them from vibrating.

As for the hum, ground loop issues can pass from one component to another through the interconnects, and since the receiver seems to be closer to the source I would try unplugging any cable tv or direct tv sources and see what happens. RadioShack has a ground loop isolator gadget that can be plugged into the cable tv--this is a great help in addition to cheater plugs on suspect electronics.