Birch v. MDF - Quality of Sound

[zoltman1991]

Hi there! Doing a bit of research. Finding there IS a difference, but all the posts I've found neglect to actually dive into the sound difference. They're all fixated of wood qualities - weight, durability, etc.

I am building a box for two 12" CompQs. To Kicker specs (representative told me 4.28cuft based off of my car specs - 60sq inch port to 34hz.

I think I am going with Birch for the weight difference.

But wanted to hear from y'all regarding differences in sound. I listen to EDM - bass, dubstep, melodic bass, heavy bass, etc. (if this matters).

Click to read more...

 

[Deiimos]

As long as they are solidly built and braced as necessary, I don’t think you could tell a difference in a blind test between the two. I’d just go with the Birch if you like the weight saving. Of course wait for other members to add their take on it.

 

[spokey9 5,000+ posts]

You'd never hear the difference

 

[zoltman1991]

Pretty much what I was thinking. Just wanted to hear others say it. lol. Not even sure a trained ear can catch it.

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

I never noticed the difference. MDF is cheaper and easier to work with, but creates a sh!t ton of dust.

 

[RobGMN Premium Member]

Hi there! Doing a bit of research. Finding there IS a difference, but all the posts I've found neglect to actually dive into the sound difference. They're all fixated of wood qualities - weight, durability, etc.

I am building a box for two 12" CompQs. To Kicker specs (representative told me 4.28cuft based off of my car specs - 60sq inch port to 34hz.

I think I am going with Birch for the weight difference.

But wanted to hear from y'all regarding differences in sound. I listen to EDM - bass, dubstep, melodic bass, heavy bass, etc. (if this matters).

"They're all fixated of wood qualities - weight, durability, etc."

That's a big part of the discussion of using ply vs MDF. Both can be used to make very good, very sturdy boxes that don't impart their own sound or color the sound (the goal of building a good box).

Someone, somewhere, has a list of the equivalent thicknesses between the two woods. If I recall, the rule was that the ply can be thinner than the MDF, but no idea by what ratio. 3/4" ply = 1" MDF is in my head, but I can't swear to it.

 

[CertifiedHoodClassic]

I'd pick birch every time. Worth the little bit of extra cost.

 

[CertifiedHoodClassic]

Someone, somewhere, has a list of the equivalent thicknesses between the two woods. If I recall, the rule was that the ply can be thinner than the MDF, but no idea by what ratio. 3/4" ply = 1" MDF is in my head, but I can't swear to it.

This is something to keep in mind. 3/4" birch ply is like 0.7" thick and not 0.75".

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

If I recall, the rule was that the ply can be thinner than the MDF, but no idea by what ratio. 3/4" ply = 1" MDF

I like the sound of that. If true then ply is well worth the extra cost.

 

[shredder1 10+ year member]

Big box store shop Birch actually costs less than MDF in my locale and is a no brainer imo. Tbh design counts more than materials if designed right.
Now something like 13ply Baltic Birch is something else price wise.
That said I've never bought plywood for other than budget honestly. As long as it's solid in the end depends on the design mostly imo.

A pair of CompR-12s will hardly tax any 3/4" if built right imo.

 

[CertifiedHoodClassic]

Tbh design counts more than materials if designed right.

This.

 

[Old_Slapper]

There is a slight difference, but you would have to hear them side-by-side to hear that difference. I believe the MDF sounds a little deeper and harder. Sound comes from vibrations. If you have a box that vibrates, then your box will sound difference. MDF does not vibrate. It is a more dense wood that birch. Birch, you will need to add a lot more braces. The downside of MDF is the weight.

 

[RobGMN Premium Member]

This guy put some good time and effort into repeatable scientific tests, and has some good info about using different materials.

 

[spokey9 5,000+ posts]

Maybe in a home environment you'd hear the difference but in a noisy auto environment...I'd say you'd never notice