Zaph ZRT 2-way, ported?

[graxxus]

I'm about to start a build of the ZRT in the MD20 to upgrade from a pair of B&W 805s. I unfortunately don't have room for either of the floor-standing variations.

Zaph's instructions show the 2-way as a sealed enclosure, nice from a build simplicity point. Would there however be any benefit (or detriment) to adding a port? If so, any thoughts on front or back, position, diameter, cabinet damping approach?

TIA. g

[jkrutke]

The original designer of that woofer was known so say the 18W8531 was designed for a small vented enclosure. In fact I think it was 20 liters he was shooting for.

For whatever reason, he failed. Qts of the woofer is way higher than planned. Magnet charge is probably lower than he planned for, a common manufacturing issue.

As such I recommend sealed in a 20 liter cabinet. These woofers are surprisingly satisfying in sealed enclosures however. They generally do as well as many other 7" woofer do vented in the same enclosure.


John Krutke
www.zaphaudio.com