Stee-Z Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 most people use MDF for making boxes, because it apparently must resonate the sound "better" is what i have researched, but then i also see some people use birch, or maybe even oak ply, or maybe some other type of typical wood you would find at your local lumber yard what i am trying to figure out, is what is the difference between using MDF, and maybe birch. after Messing around with MDF, for a while, i found it to be cardboard like, and when u press to hard when you are drilling, the underside starts to split. MDF is very fragile in a sense, and birch is a strong hardwood. Birch is hard and strong , but may put more of a dent in your pocket than MDF. What i am really trying to figure out is, would the MDF be a better wood for boxes, because it may resonate the soundbetter? what is the real difference? Quote (4)DD 9918's (2)DC 10k 8 6.5" focals 2 DD SS4 mid amps Audison Bit One processor Jl-cl-rlc line driver iPad in dash Dual Irragi 320a alts 8 batcaps 4000's Second Skin sound deadened Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6berry Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 i dont know the difference in sound properties between the two woods but i do know that birch is normally used because it is lighter and slightly stiffer than mdf although about $15 more per sheet i believe. Quote 1999 Audi A4 1.8T::: 4 - DC Level 3 10's in a 4th order Rockford P6002 on Subs for now (3-3.5k coming eventually) MB Quart ONX4.60 for Mids and Highs Boston S50 Components in Front Boston S65 Coaxials in Rear 40 Sq Ft of Second Skin Damplifier Build Thread UBL 1948 Plymouth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged DCs Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 (edited) MDF is a bit cheaper, heavier, and works great for what we use it for. Birch is a bit more costly, lighter, and also works great. I've also seen a box made of average plywood, it was shit Edited August 7, 2011 by Supercharged DCs Quote Bassless once again. Can't seem to keep a system for more than a few weeks Saving for a '06 Nissan 350z, look for build around June 2012. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-train-13k Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 ive used birch and mdf. birch is a little more sturdy i believe. it doesnt fall apart as much if it gets a little wet. unlike mdf. but its lighter as well. plus i get it cheaper than mdf Quote The IrishmanCheck out my build hereXL 4th order wall build logIn Progress:alpine cda HU4th order Bandpass2xl 15's1- ab 400.1 (gonna be two hopefully)4- Crescendo 8's2- xts crecendo supertweeters 2 sq super tweetsMb quart 4.125Mechman 270a alt1- xs D27003- xs XP3000 4- odessey pc1700seller feed back threadhttp://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/136418-d-train-13k/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stee-Z Posted August 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 MDF is a bit cheaper, heavier, and works great for what we use it for. Birch is a bit more costly, lighter, and also works great. I've also seen a box made of average plywood, it was shit ! lol haha i beleive that... seen it done before haha...... so birch would actually be a better choice? Quote (4)DD 9918's (2)DC 10k 8 6.5" focals 2 DD SS4 mid amps Audison Bit One processor Jl-cl-rlc line driver iPad in dash Dual Irragi 320a alts 8 batcaps 4000's Second Skin sound deadened Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxim Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 Personally have only used MDF, but I've never installed anything over 2000 watts and the boxes were sturdy enough with double walls and proper bracing. If I ever put more than that into an install, I'll definitely go birch ply. Boxes can get fucking heavy with MDF. Cutting weight and getting stronger wood is more than worth it for larger installations. For 1 or 2 woofers on moderate power though, I personally think the money can be better spent elsewhere. Quote wtf is lolcats? I'd def get a fat hooker if i had to resort to that kinda thing. I feel like they'd be grateful and work harder. Also its more bang for my buck, more real estate for my dollar if you catch my drift. its like the Costco of streetwalkers. I was hoping for 150 . I was hoping she would let me put it in her butt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stee-Z Posted August 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 Personally have only used MDF, but I've never installed anything over 2000 watts and the boxes were sturdy enough with double walls and proper bracing. If I ever put more than that into an install, I'll definitely go birch ply. Boxes can get fucking heavy with MDF. Cutting weight and getting stronger wood is more than worth it for larger installations. For 1 or 2 woofers on moderate power though, I personally think the money can be better spent elsewhere. =P im runnin around close to 2500 rms, so shuld be ok haha.... hah i wanna try birch this winter =P Quote (4)DD 9918's (2)DC 10k 8 6.5" focals 2 DD SS4 mid amps Audison Bit One processor Jl-cl-rlc line driver iPad in dash Dual Irragi 320a alts 8 batcaps 4000's Second Skin sound deadened Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrd6 Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 Someone may say different but for my perception, if you are building a box, ideally you dont want it to resonate at all. So if you build a solid box, out of birch, mdf, or a regular plywood, they should all sound the same. Then it comes down to cost, durability, and weight Quote My Build Log: http://www.stevemead...-sundown-power/ Team NorthWestSPL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeejayBee Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 Just use birch yes it more costly but its beautiful wood can be stained like i did in my build and it looks good and is alot stiffer and lighter then mdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zx10intn Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 ive used both mdf and birch, and money aside, the birch is the way to go. much lighter, and in my experience cutting it puts off a LOT less sawdust, maybe not important to everyone, but i like my garage clean haha Quote 1969 Chevy Chevelle 20/22" staggered Bonspeed Huntingtons wrapped in Nitto INVO's Mechman 250amp cs144 alt w/AVBM Kinetik 1800 main battery/Kinetik 2400 in the trunk Pioneer AVH-3200dvd Headunit (2) sets of Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine components up front (2) DD 3512's d4 coils Sundown sax100.4 component amp Sundown saz-3000d subwoofer amp 5ft^3 box tuned to 34hz MY BUILD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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