[MarkShields]

I am new to this form, and I did some looking but could not find this covered.  Mostly the speaker boxes are made from MDF, but I am thinking I want to use solid lumber.  Woodworking is my hobby, so I know the advantages of working with stable MDF.  But what about sound quality?  Is there any difference in sound from box made from MDF or solid wood? 

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome to AC 
I have some info about this, wait a minute I will look it.
MDF:  Detailed and bright. 
Baltic Birch: Soft and warm sound.
Particle Board:  Neutral, mid on BB/MDF.

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC Mark     Everyone has their opinion, but check out http://www.DaedalusAudio.com/. , Lou has a circle here with more info as well. 

[WGH]

Welcome to AC Mark.

The first two questions would be how big will the speakers be and what wood are you thinking of? A wide front baffle of solid wood increases the possibility of the speaker either blowing apart with high humidity or cracking during periods of low humidity. Daedalus Audio has a circle here and been successful making solid walnut speakers. Lou puts heroic effort into making speakers that stay together that includes making the back baffle out of plywood for stability.

The wood's equilibrium moisture content (EMC) should be equal to the location where it is going to be used. Here in AZ the moisture content of kiln dried solid hard wood at the lumber yard is still too high to use reliably, I try to let domestic hardwoods adjust to the dry desert climate for months. Hardwood floor installers know to unbox the flooring and let it acclimate before installing. Mesquite takes 1 year per inch of thickness to acclimate, a 2" thick slab takes 2 years before I can use it.

One way to get around the solid wood problem is veneer. I make my own 1/8" thick veneer but most hobbyists don't have all the tools needed. The veneer is glued on 1" thick MDF using a vacuum bag veneer press.

If you are making small desktop or small monitor speakers then go for solid wood because it's your hobby.

Acceptable Moisture Levels in Wood – Knowing the Moisture Content
https://www.wagnermeters.com/moisture-meters/wood-info/acceptable-moisture-levels-wood/

[MarkShields]

Thanks all for the feedback.  I checked out the Daedalus website, and wow, he is a craftsman.  Since this is my first speaker build I am making a smaller one, the X-LS from GR.  I am also in Tucson, so not much for humidity here, but will still let my lumber sit for a while. 

[Mark Korda]

Hi Mark, I think your talking about plywood being the other wood box material instead of MDF. If you prime the MDF of the speaker enclosure, inside and out, it should last for a lifetime. It!s what the painters call a vapor barrier. The MDF can't suck in the moisture. Plywood  should be sealed too. I'm old enough and a painter to see what happens if you don't. when moisture gets to MDF it can crumble if not sealed. The lameness or layers in plywood can warp apart if not sealed. You see this all the time on plywood that's outside exposed to rain and sun....take care Mark Korda

[Phil A]

Welcome!