Can you make a decent enclosure out plastic or metal boxes?

[chico1st]

Does plastic make a decent audio enclosure? Something like this?
These are waterproof and already made and I am looking for something that can at least withstand the rain.

I’m not looking for the best audio enclosure but decent, like there are enclosure types/materials that im sure are just bad ideas.


What about an ammo can? if I can find one that is somewhat light it would look neat. (I have to carry this around ALOT).

 

[GM]

Both can be used in high sound quality [SQ] apps if required, though normally they're used for less sonically demanding apps. For wet apps, of course rain-proof/vibration resistant drivers are required such as old Babbs or similar and some motorcycle rated ones, etc..

GM

 

[LAJ]

I always thought wood was easier to work with.

 

[LineArray]

This speaker's enclosure (not the stand) is made from
sand casted aluminium. It is made from two halves, with a
dampening gap in between.

I could listen to that speakers on several occasions and
could also "knuckle wrap" it ... it is pretty dead.

It always depends on how you use a certain material.


http://www.voicepoint.de/content/content.php?id=1&cnt_id=1

 

[Don Hills]

Equipment cases such as Pelican brand cases and the Seahorse one are a little too flexible to make good enclosures (I've tried it). For small enclosures consider diecast metal boxes:
Hammond Mfg. - Eddystone Line - Diecast Aluminum Enclosures

They also make plastic (GRP) boxes in similar form factors.

For larger enclosures, check out electrical switchboard boxes (see your local electrical supply wholesaler). Some of them are rigid and airtight enough (designed for hazardous environments).

 

[Bill poster]

sounds crazy but polystyrene containers can make good speaker enclosures.

 

[DYNABLASTERTUNERS]

thin plastic and metal could sound good but I would damp the walls with Dynamat/Alubutyl(cheaper and the same as Dynamat)

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

 

[GM]

sounds crazy but polystyrene containers can make good speaker enclosures.

Been there, done that and some manufacturers were doing it in consoles back as soon as it became available. It's all about using the right box material to achieve the desired system Q.

GM

 

[Bill poster]

Been there, done that and some manufacturers were doing it in consoles back as soon as it became available. It's all about using the right box material to achieve the desired system Q.

GM

Yes, I think it was Tom Evans and Patrick Handscombe who produced a Polystyrene speaker using a Jordan full ranger many yrs ago. Apparently it sounded pretty good.

 

[Ty_Bower]

Can you make a decent enclosure out of plastic or metal boxes?

There are those who would strongly argue, "No". Make sure you continue onward and read his article on lacquer as well.

Mother of Tone -The Mother of Tone

 

[gfiandy]

In answer to your specific question rather than getting into an idealistic rant over wood or other materials.

The plastic enclosure you have identified will make an OK speaker. It would be good to cross brace it to reduce the pannel vibration and add some damping material to the inner surfaces if you hear high frequency emphasis when you listen to the side of the box (keep the volume quite low when doing this). Retain the foam and use some of it to fill the enclosure this will reduce standing waves and increase bass slightly by reducing the speed of sound.

Will it make the best speaker in the world - No.
Will it be really quite good - if you use good drivers and don't expect it to play at 120dB then yes.

Regards,
Andrew

 

[Alex from Oz]

There are those who would strongly argue, "No". Make sure you continue onward and read his article on lacquer as well.

Mother of Tone -The Mother of Tone

Interesting read, thanks for sharing this.
Hmmm, maybe time to 'spruce-up' my system.

Cheers,

Alex