Hi chaps

I'm planning on building a pair of "subs" for hi-fi use, each using 2 x 2235 15 inch drivers. The word "subs" is a little misleading because I want to use them all the way up to around 500Hz when they will cross over to 2441s in large conical horns. I intend driving these subs with 500W power amps. Crossovers will be active tube devices I am currently homebrewing.

I've modelled the 2235 pairs in standard ported boxes using Boxplot and WinISD, and I figure I need approx 10 cu ft. That's with the tuning at about 30Hz. Response is nice and even, with rolloff starting at 40Hz. -3dB point is 34Hz.

An EBS alignment would require a much bigger box - 15 cu ft or bigger. However, I could then tune down to Fs, which is 20Hz. There is also an earlier rolloff, but the rolloff slope is very shallow.

My question is whether it is really worth it going with the EBS alignment. Is that extra 10Hz or so I'd be getting noticeable? What are the subjective differences between reflex and EBS? I like bass, but my listening preferences are jazz and classical - not exactly drum'n'bass!

Any thoughts appreciated. Many thanks. Doug