I prefer sealed box 10 out of 10 times a day. Its more wattage to achieve equal SPL's but it just sounds better/tighter, and that is all that matters to me.

This seems to be the consensus with the people that I have spoke with who have had a chance to listen to a well built sealed sub. What's puzzling to me goes back to the first post, is why we are seeing a trend towards passive radiators with the large manufacturers? I would think that it would be more beneficial cost and profit wise, to manufacture and sell sealed subs as opposed to passive radiator designs.

Could it be a size decision? Passive radiator subs can utilize a smaller enclosure where a good sealed sub would have to house a 12 or 15 inch woofer which would require a larger box?

I think its because you can get equal SPL out of a ported sub with less wattage than a sealed version. That means the amp and driver of a seal box need to be much beefier which is much more expensive than just designing a ported sub. And like everything in todays fast food drive through mentality world, cheaper sells more than quality.

All a guess on my part though, YMMV.

Don't forget good marketing. The best technical solutions don't always win out when the marketeers get involved.

But yes, for a given SPL the ported design will be smaller and require less power. But since nothing is free your going to pay for it in other areas.