Small or large sub for music

   The Swarm and Debra subs are 'vented enclosure for correct roll-off to compensate for room gain (ports can be plugged with supplied plugs, if desired)'. I've tried my Debra subs both ways and preferred them unplugged.

The Swarm and Debra subs are an excellent example of using science and good acoustic theory to maximize the benefit for the minimum dollar.  They have addressed the biggest issue, the room.  It can be done with any 4 subs.  You should see what some of the crazy home theater guys do, as the Swarm would never have enough deep bass for them (they want 120db @10 hz), things like quad JTR Captivators.  Not to plug another forum, but AVSforums in the subwoofer section has some really great information on setup, tuning, and objective reviewing.  The home theater guys have done more for good bass than just about anyone.  

"More important, IMO, is to have a SEALED sub for music."

Can anyone provide a supportable reason for this, or is this just an ad nauseum repeating of inaccurate information?  

It's a myth, with a completely different issue coming on. Sealed have higher f3, and fewer problems with the room. If you know what you are doing you can make a ported sub work fantastically. If you don't, get a sealed 10" sub and leave it alone. :) 

"More important, IMO, is to have a SEALED sub for music."

Can anyone provide a supportable reason for this, or is this just an ad nauseum repeating of inaccurate information?

Yes, it’s a myth. I’ve got two of these ported Talon Roc 2002 monsters for my 2/ch rig in my small/moderate size room. 140 lbs each. After years of owning just one, I was astounded to discover how much I was missing when I added the 2nd. Now, I easily hear rhythm, timbre and texture - way down deep. It’s especially great at low volume listening. No boominess. No one-note thumping. No DSP. It did take a while to integrate them seamlessly.

Subwoofers are a bad solution for inadequate speakers. They are mutually exclusive with high fidelity because they can never perfectly integrate. Some people and rappers don’t care about sound quality. Low-Fi is fine for them. For the rest of us, subwoofers only belong in the home theatre. 

They are mutually exclusive with high fidelity because they can never perfectly integrate.

<< cough >> bs << cough >>

Just because you have never known how doesn’t mean it is not possible. However, it takes high degrees of skill and experience. It is quite closely related to speaker crossover design. This is why I often believe that avoiding the sub is a better option for many. That’s not the same thing as saying it cannot be done. It is glorious when done right, but few live to hear it.

Best,

E