Why not acoustic suspension?


When I was young, late 60's early 70's, the sealed or acoustic suspension speakers were quite commonplace. Now bass reflex, ported speakers seem to be much more common. My understanding is that both speaker designs, assuming competent design will perform very well. Perhaps with the ported getting a slightly lower bass response and higher efficiency gives it the edge. Thinking efficiency though, amplifier watts don't cost that much more today so it doesn't seem like a deal maker. What I don't understand from a pragmatic corporate standpoint is why more acoustic suspension speakers aren't available. My understanding is that the sealed speaker box can be smaller which would be a plus from a cost standpoint, both in less material, lighter cabinet and more speakers could be shipped in a truck reducing shipping cost. Any thoughts as to why the industry has shifted so hard in the bass reflex direction?

61falcon

To clarify, bass reflex is only more efficient in the bass end.  The upper end efficiency is the same.  Another way to put it, is they are just as loud but with a lower -3 dB point.  

I think based on specmanship many designs are bass reflex when they would be much smaller and almost go as deep sealed.  

Acoustic suspension speakers have smoother bass roll-off that is generally less boomy.  I have a pair that sound great down to around 40Hz.  In the words of AI:

”acoustic suspension speakers offer a more controlled, accurate, and musical bass presentation with a gentler roll-off, prioritizing quality and clarity over sheer low-frequency output.”