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#1
10-02-2006, 03:47 PM
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DIY speaker cabinets....MDF or Birch plywood?
I've read of both being used so which do you prefer and why (assuming both to be 3/4")?
It looks like the MDF is great to veneer while the plywood would be good to stain. Any acoustic differences you've noted?
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Technics SL-D3 Pioneer SA-708, SA-608, RG-2 Denon DCD-1800R Large Advent Walnut, Heritage KLH 6 AR-4xa 
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#2
10-02-2006, 04:05 PM
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I just built mine with the Birch ply. It's easy to work with and I'm happy with the results. I can tell you this, if you're planning to use the Birch as a finish surface, your woodworking skills better be much better than mine. Think about it: you have to make every cut perfect if that's what you're trying to do. If you're covering with vinyl or veneer you can use wood filler (which I'm planning to do). I'm not sure why MDF would be better to veneer, but it may be. I've heard some say that they thought the MDF was less resonant. I can tell you my experience with MDF is it's not the toughest material in the world. I think long term durability will be better with the birch ply regardless of how you plan to finish it.
Take care, Ed
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Learning one dumb question at a time...
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#3
10-02-2006, 04:45 PM
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Having used both and done some comparisons with the same drivers/crossovers in cabinets built with MDF & Baltic birch, the choice is clear for me - Baltic birch.
It's easier to work with and IMO sounds better, at least for the types of speakers I have built. I don't see how MDF would be easier to veneer and since I found building good solid cabinets with clean, square edges a pleasure in bb and a bit of a pain in MDF, I'd say I prefer bb for veneering as well. I'm not a fan of simply staining bb as it makes cutting the panels and getting perfect mitered corners way too critical. The best technique I've found is straight cut panels with dadoed and rabbeted joints, glued and air-nailed. Edges can be filled if needed and I sometimes leave rabbets a touch proud at the edges for a final clean-up with a trimming bit in a plunge router - gives you a flush, sharp edge that veneers easily. I have some pics of this technique on this webpage.
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#4
10-02-2006, 05:00 PM
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Birch ply, by far. I build large speakers that are moved often. MDF is very heavy. If bumped, corners and edges will crumble. Screws do not hold well in it, particularly with large heavy drivers that will be subjected to vibration and shock of transport. I have had customers bring me speakers made of mdf and particle board to build new cabs from ply.
For small bookshelf or living room speakers that will not be moved around much, if at all, mdf may be OK. And for building experimental cabs, the price can't be beat. As far as "ply has resonances and mdf is acoustically dead" I say "horsehockey". With either material the panels must be properly braced. I have never heard any "resonances" with birch ply. And you can veneer birch ply, too. For example, Jaymanaa just build those big scoops and filled and veneered over the screw holes that were necess for assembly.
__________________
Avatar photo taken Dec of 1968. Heathkit Compact Stereo. On the turntable is Best of the Beach Boys (either Vol. 1 or Vol. 2).
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#5
10-03-2006, 10:57 AM
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I had read some websites where the builder used MDF so I was wondering what it was like to use.
I have no experience with veneer and was only speculatiing if the MDF may be easier. I guess it doesn't matter. It looks like I'll make plans to use the Birch plywood.
__________________
Technics SL-D3 Pioneer SA-708, SA-608, RG-2 Denon DCD-1800R Large Advent Walnut, Heritage KLH 6 AR-4xa
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#6
10-03-2006, 11:28 AM
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Can the MDF be stained? If so, with what?
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#7
10-03-2006, 11:37 AM
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Quote:
I wouldn't think so. It's just dense fiberboard and would be like staining a thick sheet of paper.
__________________
Technics SL-D3 Pioneer SA-708, SA-608, RG-2 Denon DCD-1800R Large Advent Walnut, Heritage KLH 6 AR-4xa
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#8
10-03-2006, 11:53 AM
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Looks like I'm in the minority! I prefer MDF because it's acoustically "dead" ( I can "hear" plywood) machines well, and is great for veneer.
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"Quiet, or I'll blow your throat up!" Luxman CO2 Bedini 150/150 MK II Marantz SA 8260 Apogee Duetta II's
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#9
10-03-2006, 11:55 AM
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Quote:
Do you use acoustic dampning materials in the cabinets?
__________________
Technics SL-D3 Pioneer SA-708, SA-608, RG-2 Denon DCD-1800R Large Advent Walnut, Heritage KLH 6 AR-4xa
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#11
10-03-2006, 12:28 PM
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Quote:
I know that it would be a lot more work but would it help to line the inside of the cabinet walls with 1/4" MDF in addition to any otther acoustic dampning materials normally used with the ply alone?
__________________
Technics SL-D3 Pioneer SA-708, SA-608, RG-2 Denon DCD-1800R Large Advent Walnut, Heritage KLH 6 AR-4xa
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#12
10-03-2006, 05:16 PM
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Quote:
In my opinion, the MDF has a relatively unpleasant character to its resonance, whereas the BP has a more straight forward sounding resonance.
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#13
10-03-2006, 05:21 PM
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I just did some asking around on this very topic. Most folks said Birch plywood, because of workability, and sound. I ended up using Birch, then sanding and laminating with Birch Veneer. I'm very happy with the results. Jay
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"The last suit you wear, won't need no pockets." Larry Sparks
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#14
10-03-2006, 08:43 PM
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My biggest beef with MDF is when a router is used, it turns into a "1000-times-finer-than-talcum-powder" dust that gets EVERYWHERE!
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___________________  ACHOO!!
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#15
10-03-2006, 09:33 PM
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Quote:
Take care, Ed
__________________
Learning one dumb question at a time...
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