Yes, indeed.
I am sure the small lab ported subs sound great, but there are a zillion driver/box combinations one could use and get 40hz all day long with more efficiency in a 15 or 18" format.
The tradeoff comes with how many boxes do you need to haul/stack, and if carrying 8 subs instead of four LS808's, for example, is really an "upgrade".
The efficiency at 50-100hz is more important to me for live sound, than flat to 35 hz, and inefficient. No 12" woofer is gonna be more than 92db or so (outside), which is 10db below a double 18", or a single horn/semi horn or scoop design.
It's all a tradoff, and I think the OP was looking for an improvement in sound/output in a reasonable footprint.
I would rather roll in 2 to 4 large wheeled cabs, than carry/stack a half dozen per side and get the same thump from a kick drum/bass guitar.
I've done several ported design over the years using JBL 15/18 woofers. They all sounded great, but the 18's always seem to win out, no matter the design. I guess I just like the sound of them in the kick region, whether ported or scoop loaded, etc.
BTW, nice work, Art. I am sure the labs ported sound killer!
Not trying to downplay your design/input here..at all.
I still think Rusty needs to try an upgraded ceramic driver, and use Crest amps before he dumps the 808's.
Another 808 owner on here, tiring of the boominess, got Pro200 amps and was blown away at the difference in the tightness.
I use CC series amps, and frankly never understood all of the dissing on the boxes...mine sound punchy, and follow the notes well...but the cc series is basically a pro200 series...except with a conventional power supply (which crest engineers say actually has BETTER bass than the regulated supply in the pro series, believe it or not)
I just know they work well together.
Pete