Efficiency and perhaps bass reach may be better on the reflex-port loaded speakers - certianly spec wise this would appear to be the general consensous, but when one talks to manufactures of sealed designs there is absolutely no question in their minds as to which makes a better overall speaker. Generally they are quick to point out a compromise in bass definition and speed on reflex or ported speakers. And watts are relatively cheap today. Yes, even quality watts.

Any comments?

My reason is simple. Ported gives deeper bass. Sealed cabinets are tuned only by the motor, damped by the box. But reflex cabinets have two tuned systems, the box and the motor working together. You have more choices of alignments, and I think it is almost always better. Read the article below written by Brain Davies, I think you'll see what I mean.

• "Vented Speaker Systems"

In any event, guys like you and I are like most DIY hobbyists, in that we are free to pursue our favorite designs without needing to appease a marketing department. That said, I almost always prefer a ported box over a sealed one, especially when using high efficiency drivers as direct radiators. A vented design offers deeper bass and good frequency response from a relatively small box.