Mahalo Mike,

This is an ages old debate. In fact, from my internet experience over the last ten years or so, I would say it is the hottest debated topic in audio. I have built speakers out of every material from solid hard woods to MDF, to ply and even from composites of differnt woods and plastics and no few out of fiberglass.

There are scientists and salesmen, theoreticians (sp?) and builders who will all give you the reason why one is the best or at least better than another. I don't personally believe the material makes nearly as big a difference as some would have you believe. I think it makes a difference, but I don't necessarily think that means the difference is better from one to another.

My current speakers are built from Ply. One is from higher quality ply than the other. I can turn one off or the other and you cannot tell a difference between them no matter how good your ears are. I personally like particle board a little better than MDF and I know that no few "pros" build from a mish mash of materials. Some sides from ply, others from Particle or MDF. I think it dependds on your point of view more than the science. The thing is everything works together to create the end result. I would almost venture to look into the equipment you will be using, the room it is going in, and your taste in sound before I would say which is the best.

From experience I can tell you that the ply works extremely well for my HDT's and I am extremely happy with them.

Let us know what you decide

Take care
Robert

Hey Mike,

I know it's been a while, but I was wondering how your speakers turned out? I was also wondering if there was any possibility of building them out of real hardwood? I have been contemplating that with some new speakers I want to put together for my HT. I think my next set for pure listening are going to be built by Bob. I will keep my ideas to my HT as the quality isn't as important in there lol.


Take care,
Robert