I've been looking for a lighter alternative to MDF for building a subwoofer enclosure, and I read Birch was a good choice-- it's strong but significantly lighter than MDF, but also double the cost. Does anyone know how much lighter Birch is to MDF? 10% lighter, 20%, 50%?
2007-11-08 05:07:42 · 3 answers · asked by manoarain808 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
Birch may be stronger and lighter but MDF, due to it's greater density, will produce a far better sound.
2007-11-08 05:36:39 · answer #1 · answered by mustanger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both work well. The Birch has a higher resonant frequency and can "ring" just a tad, but it is really not noticeable. It is almost half the weight and three times the price, but I've used it several times with no problems.
So, in theory, MDF would be acoustically superior, but I would personally prefer to save the 50 pounds in my trunk.
2007-11-08 08:55:05 · answer #2 · answered by SubNRG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure on how much lighter...but it's very much stronger.
MDF has an EB (bending strength) of 2200, and birch has an EB of 3700. so MUCH stronger. when you double the layers, you multiply the EB by a factor of 8.
so if you have a more serious type of install going in, i'd use the birch.
2007-11-08 05:25:10 · answer #3 · answered by ct_thebull 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋