MDF versus Baltic Birch?


What do you consider the best application for each of these speaker construction materials for both strength and sonic qualities and why?
vonhakemarine

Showing 2 responses by johnk

MDF is poor choice for loudspeaker cabs. Sure easy to work with and afordable but veneers don't hold as well to MDF as ply its easy to veneer MDF but venners will lift off MDF. MDF will absorb water like a sponge. MDF strores energy which colors sound. MDF is easy to crush or dent unlike ply. Dont see to many ply cabinets with crushed corners. MDF also since absorbs water will form scary molds within days. Try it for yourself dampen MDF slightly, lay it so no light reaches damp spot in days dangerous molds form. If you intend on using loudspeaker in humid or slightly damp places like basements I would pass on MDF. You can do the same with ply and little to no mold forms and the stuff that does form on ply can easily be removed unlike MDF where mold will penetrate deep into material. When I use MDF I make sure MDF is fully sealed inside and out. I have open MDF cabs and found mold growing on inside of cabs. So my finding are PLY like Baltic sounds better, holds veneer better, lasts longer. Is far stronger and safer than cheap old MDF. And I too have tried layers of MDF PLY other materials and doubled Baltic has always come out sounding superior.
I use a professional grade spray on adhesive. Only $250 for a recharge ouch. it also dampens cabinets. But I have used similar to tight bond which is good.