Wood & Varnish

[motosapien]

Originally Posted by ChrisA

Better than MDF is what way? It is hard to beat MDF if you want something that is sonically "dead".

In a larger horn design, I think the rigidity of the ply is desirable. My first speaker build was smaller sealed boxes and MDF seemed fine for those. Ply is also easier to finish if you keep it simple with stain and oil or wax.

Mostly though, my choice of ply is influenced by some people here who design and build horn type speakers on a professional level. I've no problem taking their advice.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by ChrisA

HiFi speakers need to be "dead". and not contribute their own sound or color.

That is one school of thought.

I hate dead sounding speakers, and would rather error on the too lively side myself.

[evanc]

veneer stuff. The 2 ply wood on wood veneer is great. A vacuum bag is also very useful for veneering. IMO Shellac is the easiest finish to apply by hand and get a good result.

NBL (No Black Line): FormWood Industries

Two-Ply Wood on Wood Veneer Stock List

Vacuum Pressing Systems -- Veneer Glue

/www.veneersupplies.com/categories/Vacuum__Press__Items/Vacuum__Press__Kits/

Shellac

[Bob Brines]

Originally Posted by kach22i

That is one school of thought.

I hate dead sounding speakers, and would rather error on the too lively side myself.

I can't really argue with you there, but that shouldn't be a function of the cabinetry, that should be a function of the drivers, filters, electronics, etc.

Bob

[cervelorider]

The cabinet should not be made to sound dead, it should be made to sound good to the listener and compliment the driver, crossover, etc. It's a system and has to all work together well.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by cervelorider

The cabinet should not be made to sound dead, it should be made to sound good to the listener and compliment the driver, crossover, etc. It's a system and has to all work together well.

I think that is the reality, and that Bob Brines is talking ideas, goals and concepts.

Once ideas, goals and concepts fade away you are left with reality, and you have to deal with it. Dealing with it includes getting it all to work together as cervelorider talks about.

That is just my opinion, my "school of thought".

No right or wrong, just have some fun with it.

[Bob Brines]

Originally Posted by cervelorider

The cabinet should not be made to sound dead, it should be made to sound good to the listener and compliment the driver, crossover, etc. It's a system and has to all work together well.

Let me elaborate:

You talk about a cabinet that sounds "dead". I'm talking about a cabinet that doesn't sound at all. If you are using a dull sounding driver (the Pioneer BOFU comes to mind), a too thin or poorly braced plywood cabinet will sing and add "life" to the speaker. If you are using a Lowther or some of the AN drivers, you sure don't want the cabinet adding any additional brightness.

Yes, that synergy thing does work, but proper design makes the task easier.

Bob

[thenumber1tool]

Other than the sound problems from some kinds of solid wood out there the big problem is the wood warping. you can use birch ply but it does not look as good with the laminated end grain showing. and we all know the problems with the bad looks of MDF. but all and alll the best solid wood for sound, looks and the least amount of warping is white oak !!

[Bcrary3]

If one were making his or own cabinet, say for a subwoofer, would it be best to have it made from a solid wood, or a ply wood? Also if it's made from either of these materials, would sidefiring or bottom firing be the best option?

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by Bcrary3

If one were making his or own cabinet, say for a subwoofer, would it be best to have it made from a solid wood, or a ply wood? Also if it's made from either of these materials, would sidefiring or bottom firing be the best option?

perhaps not quite the right thread for these questions, and don't expect any consensus on them - other than "it depends"

my :

high quality plywood ( e.g. "Baltic" birch / "Apple" ply - marine grade ply etc)

bottom firing only if chosen driver is rated for such application - not all are