There is a current trend in the marketplace for loudspeaker ports to have a more aerodynamic appearance. While this may be as much for appearance as for performance reasons, the sharp discontinuity at the end of a traditional port does create turbulence which negatively affects most performance parameters. Ports altered to provide a more aerodynamic shape to minimize turbulence for both the inlet and the exit air streams show performance improvements in efficiency, acoustic compression, maximum output, and distortion reduction. The ideal port shapes for high-velocity inlet and exit air streams are different, and the best solution is one that balances both. In addition turbulence is actually preferred in matters of cooling the box through heat exchange via the air in the port.

Authors: Salvatti, Alex; Devantier, Allan; Button, Douglas J.
Affiliations: JBL Professional, Northridge, CA ; Infinity Systems, Northridge, CA(See document for exact affiliation information.)
JAES Volume 50 Issue 1/2 pp. 19-45; February 2002
Publication Date: January 15, 2002

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