I have my SVS cylinder sub in a recessed area of 8'X 5.5'X 3.5',(hxwxd). Not to try to hide it but just because of the way my room is built. I have had crossovers set from 100 to 60 in different trials and never could locate the direction of the bass, so I'm not sure why you are noticing the bass coming from the sub. Until this can be answered I'm not sure building a recessed area will make any difference.