Front port vs. Rear Port

If space is a premium...then I would opt for a front ported design...however...front ports tend to suffer from "chuffing" problems at higher volumes...that is the port tends to add audible noise and distortion...again...this is most noticable at higher volumes...with rear ports this is less of an issue since the port is facing away from the listener...I tend to like depth...so I have my rear ported speakers 3-4 ft from the rear wall...if this is not feasible...go with a front port design...Energy c-3 is a great affordable monitor for under $500...good luck..

I would agree...most cheaper "ports" are simply a hole to increase bass response and to some extent sensitivity/efficiency...that being said...the best "ported" designs take into account phase cancellation,distortion,etc to obtain accurate bass reproduction(ie no boom-box bass)...unfortunately this comes with a high labor/design cost...usually at the 1k level...the new Quad Ls I own have two distinct "chambers" each with their own port...and Im sure damping,etc comes into play...the bottom line: placed away from walls...they produce clean,deep,tight bass...and I am not of fan ports to begin with...but when executed properly...they can sound amazing...and even at high volume there is no audible "chuffing"....once again...it comes down to performance vs. on paper design tendencies...I have heard many highly touted sealed enclosure designs that couldnt compete (ie no bass)....