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OK DIY speaker builders. I'm looking around at speaker designs and can't help but wonder why so many of you choose MDF? I love woodworking and want to create great sound that looks like a piece of furniture. I couldn't sleep at night if I went to Veneer over MDF, why make it myself if I do that? Is there an audible sound difference?

Feedback is welcome.

 

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Wow,

Thanks for all the feedback. I couldn't help but chuckle; all the feedback was with regard to the woodworking properties of MDF, no surprises there. I was hoping there was no audible rational for going with MDF because I want to make furniture quality speakers from wood. As a DYI'er the cost savings is not a big deal and solid oak is quite substantial. So, wood it will be. Now the quest for designs; I'm starting with the surrounds for a 7.1 system, any suggestions?

 

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Thanks for the link Jacen. Maybe I will opt for veneer over MDF. I'll sleep on it. As for the speaker budget that’s a tough one. I didn't want to cheep out and I'm wondering how much speaker you really need for the back 4. My thinking is the big bucks go into the front and center speakers based on my 5.1 performance. Not much comes out of the back in a 5.1 system, I thought I'd start with a simple 2 way bookshelf design so I don't scare the wife off with an intrusive monster in every corner of the room; we'll save that surprise for the fronts. So to answer your question, $200-300 a pair might get me there. FYI the room is 14 x 24 and I’ll be driving them with either the Marantz SR5003, 90 x 7 watts, or SR6003, 100 x 7 watts.

 

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Thanks for all the good tips folks. I've never gotten denser than 9 ply of any type. I'll look into that!