HDP or MDF ?

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MBZ oe

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Joined: December 18, 2003

Posted: July 30, 2004 at 12:06 PM / IP Logged

I am trying to decide on a Subzero enclosure for 2 9500 10's and was wondering how HDP sounds compared to MDF? The vented enclosure I am looking at is made of 1.5" and .75" HDP. Here's the link: http://www.subzeromfg.com/vbseries.htm

They also have a super-braced 1.5" MDF sealed enclosure called the ZR series. ZR102 http://www.carstereousa.com/subwoofer_boxes.htm

I know it's the norm for pro's to use MDF, thats why I am asking.

Angel

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MBZ oe

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Posted: July 30, 2004 at 1:48 PM / IP Logged

Is HDP high density plywood? Or what?

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DYohn

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Joined: April 22, 2003

Location: Arizona, United States

Posted: July 30, 2004 at 2:45 PM / IP Logged

HDP is high-density plywood, yes. MDF is medium-density fibercore plywood. HDF is stronger than MDF, but has harsher acoustic properties and is more reflective (some say) since it is close to genuine hardwood. MDF absorbs more energy from soundwaves and tends to create a more neutral cabinet (again, so say some.) I have never used HDP (mainly because it is too expensive) so I can't say if the claimed differences are true or not.

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xtreamcc

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Posted: July 30, 2004 at 5:28 PM / IP Logged

I'd suggest MDF over HDP anyday of the week for the resons pointed out by DYohn. I've heard HDP enclosures and they sound kinda weird. I mean, having heard only MDF or fiberglass enclosures for so long and then hearing these HDP enclosures... I just dont like them.

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MBZ oe

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Joined: December 18, 2003

Posted: July 30, 2004 at 5:46 PM / IP Logged

Does it sound something like a knock sound when it hits? I heard an enclosure a while back and the guy was saying something about whatever it was, sounding better that MDF. It sounded like crap to me. I will steer clear of the HDP and go with the MDF2.

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MBZ oe

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Posted: July 30, 2004 at 5:50 PM / IP Logged

BTW, the above linked VDB enclosure is not deep enough for the 9500's. I am thinking about the ELV vented or the RPD10G sealed. I still wish someone in town would build me a top-quality 1/1.5" MDF enclosure, but it's pretty unlikely. Someday, I will take up woodworking HDP or MDF ? -- posted image.

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xtreamcc

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Posted: July 30, 2004 at 5:54 PM / IP Logged

actually it does have kinda a knock to it, kinda like when u rattle a solid wood door, that deep thud, only its really distorted when at high volume.

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dpaton

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Posted: July 31, 2004 at 9:04 AM / IP Logged

The HDP shown in those pix is probably a fancied up BS marketing name for HDF, which is the high density version of MDF. The main difference is that instead of being about 50% glue and 50% sawdust, HDF is closer to 75% glue. It has a little more ping in unbraced sheets, and weighs a ton (~140lbs/cuft to MDF's 91 IIRC). MDF usually wins in speaker cabinets because it's construction makes it one of the deadest materials around, along with being stupid easy to work with. I'd stick with 1" MDF or so.

BTW, neither of them are plywood. By definition, plywood is made from sheets of veneer that are glued together. MDF/HDF/HDP/whatever are fiberboards, just like in the name (Medium Density Fiberboard).

-dave

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stevdart

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Posted: August 06, 2004 at 2:17 PM / IP Logged

To update this, I emailed SubZero and asked, "What is the difference between HDP and MDF?" I got this response:

Thank you for your interest in the SUBZERO product line. HDP means "High density particle board" and MDF means "Medium density fiberboard" acoustically very hard to hear the difference physically the MDf will stand up the elements better such as condensation etc. Hope this helps.

Thank you

Dave Ingwood

SUBZERO Manufacturing

6210 N.E. 92nd Drive #109

Portland, Oregon 97220

Tel: 503.261.1028

Fax: 503.261.1034

dave@subzeromfg.com

www.subzeromfg.com

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HDP or MDF ?

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