Hmm, yes, but the basics still kicks in. This is real life, & you always have to pay for an advantage one place by a dis-advantage somewhere else. The reduced distortion by reduced diaphragm excursion in a reflex loaded box will still be have to payed for; it will take a little longer to recover from impulses, compared to the closed box.As I've stated before, it's more a matter of priorities - what is the best for you & your music? The overhang on impulses from a reflex box doesn't necessarily have a bad impact. AND, I might add, your room & loudspeaker placement are VERY important in this area! I think, in real life, they may have more impact on the bass sound than different alignments, as long as we are talking sound bass design (& we are, aren't we? ;-) )