These were Altecs model for small theatres, ie up to say 200 seats!. Large auditoria by todays standards!
Well, MDF grade, the same as M19, etc. are made from.
No, I'm not except for when the speaker needs its superior damping such as a high Q driver does or for a mids/HF horn or similar and the A8 isn't one of them IMO. The clones I've done were braced 3/4" marine grade no void plywood, but the consensus around here is that MDF is great for Altec bass [horn] cabs, so it seems reasonable to me that it would also apply to these A8s.
GM
Loud is Beautiful if it's Clean! As always though, the usual disclaimers apply to this post's contents.
Originally Posted by Audio_by_Goodwill
Particle board is pressed sawdust.
MDF is wood fibers, much better. You probably knew that, but if 6 months from now somebody runs across this, just wanted the record set straight. They are only interchangeable for low end uses. MDF is far superior.
There are two issues with MDF from a professional standpoint. Weight and durability. However the added mass can actually be a plus for home speakers.
Plywood is used for guitar tops as it resonates. You will never see an MDF acoustic guitar. Not in the hands of anybody older than ten with an ear anyway.
Lack of resonance can be good in the right place and time.
As far as particle board, I guess dummies have to have something to do. But if you have half a brain and one good ear pony up the slight extra for MDF.
There is also a high density fiberboard, the m in MDF stands for medium. High density is hard to find, but even heavier. Will kill saw blades though...like cutting stone almost.
If you find a place that builds counter tops they may have one inch MDF. Don't drop it on your foot you can lose a toe.
Your neighbors called. They like your music.
And the saw dust from MDF will choke you quick though.I hate working with it anymore.It will get on anything and everything.I try to use nothing but plywood anymore.I've had my fill of MDF.It is no good in high Humidity or wet/damp or outside locations, if it ever gets wet once it is toast.That's were the durability issues arise IMO.
I have a craftsman, not even an expensive saw. With a shop vac hooked to it, I never breathe dust, but still wear a mask.
If you have cheap tools, most lumber yards will cut for something low...last I checked 50 cents a cut a couple years ago.
Your neighbors called. They like your music.
I'm in the middle of building some 12 cuft enclosures, I used oak veneered plywood, will be posting some pics up soon. My craftsman router came in quite handy for doing them, along with my tool shop drill.
I know they're not the same, but MDF looks like a finer particle to me....... more akin to what I'd call dust. Particle board has always looked more like granules, to me. I don't really like either one.
Audio_by_Goodwill
Michigan, USA
FWIW, based on my experience at the manufacturing level, Wikipedia does a good job of explaining the differences of the various grades/types: Particle board - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and its references
GM
Loud is Beautiful if it's Clean! As always though, the usual disclaimers apply to this post's contents.
Nope. completely different. It is fine strands. The cut particles ARE smaller though since you are cutting thru a fiber instead of crumbling sawdust.
I don't understand why AB has the issues he does with dust as I don't, but again having it precut will solve that.
Bottom line your money use what you want. But for permanent installs, MDF is measurably superior acoustically. That's all I said, that argument is over.
We can quibble preference till the cows come home.
BTW I never understood how they rated a later curfew than the other farm animals.
Your neighbors called. They like your music.
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