The importance of cabinet material on sound

[sbo6]

In recent decades, there seems to be an acceleration of development and implementation of more exotic materials for speaker cabinets including but not limited to aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, marble composite and many combinations of wood composites. However, there are still many ultra - high end speaker manufacturers that use MDF / HDF and / or baltic birch. Of course, all include internal dampening fill materials. What are your thoughts and experiences with speakers of the best sonics and cabinet materials (how much do they matter)?

IME I've heard excellent speakers made of MDF / HDF and baltic birch, but when I hear speakers like Vivid Audio, Magico and Rockport, part of the lack of sonic signature and boxiness I believe is due to the exemplary design efforts / results exhibited via their speaker cabinets. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

[Robh3606]

I think it is over emphasized. Who cares if you have the ultimate cabinet with so so drivers?? You can make "good cabinets" out of many materials. Just like anything else it's all about good design and consistent manufacturing.

Rob

 

[slowGEEZR]

I don't think the material itself has an effect on the sound, except for its resonance properties. As Rob says, it's all about good design.

 

[sbo6]

Thanks for the responses. I think as you climb the audio ladder, everything matters. Not only the drivers, but the crossover, crossover materials, the cabinet materials, the cabinet absorbing material, the footers, etc. It all matters IMHO.

 

[jadedavid]

It is a difficult to quantify as to whether the cabinet material in and by itself makes a difference.
I had previously owned Reference 3A MM De Capo speakers and found an objectional cabinet resonance that I just couldn't live with.
Now I own Reference 3A Reflectors (similar driver compliment) and do not hear the cabinet at all. Really quite amazing the purity of tone they present.
So is this a result of better materials (I.E. glass walls, brass rods, steel plates ETC) or better design? Or both?
It would seem that some of the more esoteric speaker manufacturers would have tried different cabinet materials in the design process. And it seems like many of them have gone to choices other than wood.
Is this a marketing sales feature being demanded by consumers?
Perhaps the answer is a bit of both better materials and better design. Not sure if you can separate one from the other.