Help with plugging ports on Paradigm PS-1000 Sub

ok, have read a few comments from way back that some users found that plugging 1 or 2 (out of 3) of the rear ports on the Paradigm PS-1000 sub made it go lower. Over the years, I have read many users who complained about this bandpass design sub sound too boomy for music. Since owning this sub, and not doing too much with placement, I just made sure it had enough breathing room between ports and the wall, music has never been boomy. More one note maybe, but never boomy.

Started to fiddle around with the system again and ran Audyssey again, adjusted all speakers to small, crossed at 80Hz on the receiver. Movies never sounded better. Since getting a Denon receiver with Audyssey, I have packed away the decibel meter and AVIA calibration DVD. Took it out today and was pleasantly surprised that the sub could go down to 30 Hz nicely. After that, fall off was dramatic to 25 Hz. < 25 Hz, although there was pressure and sound, I would not consider this audible in a movie setting.

Now, the question is, will it damage the sub if i plugged 1 or 2 of it''s 3 ports to test frequency output? It's a bandpass design and here is a direct link to Paradigm spec sheet: http://www.paradigm.com/index.php?option=com_joomdoc&task=doc_download&gid=464&Itemid=8

Can anyone shed some light on this matter? Would love to try it and test with the AVIA low frequency sweep test but afraid plugging the ports might damage or shorten the life of the sub. Afraid of over heating as well since it is a bandpass design.

Anyone care to share some thoughts?

Thanks for the thoughts Bill. I also considered that if the unit was designed to be run a specific way, it should not be plugged. Then read somewhere that some subs come with port plugs so that got me thinking lol. I must say that the PS-1000, although not an expensive sub (to me it is), compared to what you can really pay, has been doing a great job for almost a decade. I listen to music, tweak, watch movies then start over again every few years lol. The sub just keeps kicking. I read a few complaints about this sub being boomy as it's a bandpass design but I have placed it in near the TV and beside the seating position and never thought it was too boomy. Maybe Audyssey really work well! I am just trying to get lower extension without spending any more money to do it, which sounds like it may not be possible.

As for port chuffing, I am pretty sure I have never experienced this. I understand it's air movement (probably too much air for the port) that causes this sound. I watch my movies loud, maybe not reference all the time, and I think I have only heard this sub bottom out 2-3 times. In fact, I think this Paradigm design was supposed to stop distortion before it happens (if that is even possible).

So, anyone else has thoughts on this matter?

So plugging ports would alter the tuning of the sub I assume. I guess it's kind of like modifying the length of the tube inside the port as well? Some tell me it's ok to plug the port and I will instantly gain 10Hz in the lower octave! lol And that it won't harm the sub in the long run!

Yup, just got an email from Paradigm tech support. They noted it won't make the sub go lower but it might tighten up the base a bit. They never answered if it will damage the sub unfortunately.

Still thinking about plugging 2 of the 3 ports on this sub. Chances of someone else having this same sub and who has plugged the ports will almost be non-existent. But in general, could anything go wrong in a bandpass design if I plug 2 of the 3 available ports with old (but clean) socks?

Then it's time to up a few dB in the receiver's sub volume. What is the consensus here? +2dB ok?