The search for quality sound often leads audiophiles and home craftsmen to decide to assemble the acoustic system themselves. In this context, the request allowing Buying a column without speakersIt is the starting point for creating a unique sound profile. Ready-made solutions from eminent brands often limit the creative flight and can cost unreasonably expensive, while buying an empty case opens the door to the world of customization.
Many people mistakenly believe that the case is just a box, but it is the box that forms up to 40% of the character of the sound. Resonance frequenciesThe rigidity of the walls and internal damping play a critical role in the formation of basses and the clarity of the average frequencies. If you are planning a serious project, it is important to understand that saving on the material of the case can negate the benefits of even the most expensive dynamic heads.
In this article, we will discuss in detail where to look for blanks, how to choose material and what to pay attention to when ordering. You will learn about the differences between MDF, plywood and array, and get practical tips on sealing and finishing. The right approach to choosing a box for your speakers is the first step to creating acoustics that will delight your ears for years.
Selection of material: MDF, plywood or array
The first thing you have to decide before placing an order is the material of manufacture. The most common and recommended for Hi-Fi acoustics is MDF (A medium-density wood-fibre plate). This material has excellent properties of attenuation of vibrations, which minimizes parasitic slugs. The density of MDF allows for the creation of complex carved facades and ensures the stability of geometry over time.
Plywood, especially birch aircraft, is valued for its strength and ability to withstand high internal pressure in the hull. It is often used in professional concert acoustics and subwoofers, where mobility and impact resistance are important. However, plywood is prone to stratification when the edges are not handled correctly and can resonate at certain frequencies, requiring additional internal reinforcement.
When choosing MDF, pay attention to the density of the plate - it should be at least 700-750 kg / m3 to ensure proper inertness of the walls.
The natural array of wood looks aesthetically pleasing, but is a nightmare for acoustic calculations because of its anisotropy. The tree “breathes”, changes sizes depending on the humidity and often brings its own coloring into the sound. If you're looking column-case from the array, make sure they are designed more for decorative purposes or have very thick walls with internal damping.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap chipboard (particle board) is categorically not recommended for high-quality acoustics. Its low density and heterogeneous structure will lead to humming of the walls and loss of detail of sound, especially in the bass register.
Types of constructions: closed box or phase inverter
The design of the case directly affects what speakers you can install in it. The closed box (CJ) is easy to manufacture and customize, providing a clean and fast bass, but requiring speakers with a large excursion. The phase inverter (PI) allows for a deeper bass with a smaller diffuser flow, but requires an accurate calculation of the volume and tuning frequency of the port.
When buying a case, it is important to consider the presence of ready-made holes or their absence. Some manufacturers offer universal solutions with stubs, others - completely blank blank blanks. If you are planning a complex system, for example, acoustics Like a mouthpiece or a maze, standard store solutions may not be suitable and you will need an individual order.
Geometry also matters. Spherical enclosures exclude standing waves inside the box, but are difficult to manufacture. Traditional rectangular shapes require internal slitting (brace) to increase stiffness. When choosing a model, pay attention to the thickness of the walls: for medium-frequency speakers, it can be less than for subwoofers.
Where to Find and Buy: Markets and Manufacturers
Finding a place where you can Buying a column without speakersIt depends on your quality and budget requirements. Large online marketplaces offer a wide range of ready-made products from China, but quality control there is often lame. It is better to specialize in specialized audio stores or local workshops engaged in sawing and wood processing.
Specialized forums and audiophile communities are a great resource to find trusted suppliers. There are often sold the body of the master, which make them small series with high attention to detail. In such cases, you can order a case with the already selected wall thickness and specific internal partitions.
| Type of seller | Advantages | Deficiencies | Price segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| A big marketplace. | Low price, fast delivery | Low quality of processing, thin walls | Low. |
| Local carpentry | Individual sizes, quality control | High price, long manufacturing time | High-pitched |
| Private Masters (Avito/Forums) | Optimal Price/Quality Relationship | Risk of running into an unscrupulous seller | Medium. |
When ordering from abroad, carefully study the terms of delivery. Body - the goods are large and heavy, logistics can make up to 50% of the total cost. In addition, during transportation, there is a high risk of damage to the corners, so require reinforced packaging with polystyrene foam.
Technical parameters: volume and interior space
The key parameter when choosing a workpiece is the internal volume. The speaker, designed for 20 liters, in a case of 10 liters will sound compressed, and in 40 liters - lose control of the bass. The manufacturer of speakers always indicate the recommended volume Vb in the technical documentation.
Do not forget to subtract from the total volume of the body the volume occupied by the speaker, the port of the phase inverter and the internal struts. A mistake in the calculations of even 10-15% can significantly change the frequency characteristics of the system. For accurate calculations, use specialized software, for example, WinISD or VituixCAD.
How do you calculate the net volume?
Net volume = (Length × Width × Height) - Volume of speakers - Port volume - Volume of internal struts. All measurements are carried out in decimeters to get the result in liters.
If you buy a finished case, check with the seller, the volume of brutto (external) or netto (internal). Often in the description of the product appear external dimensions, which can be misleading for a beginner. Internal partitions also affect the stiffness and distribution of standing waves, breaking up a large volume into smaller compartments.
Finishing and aesthetics: veneer, film or painting
The appearance of acoustics is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also additional protection of the body from moisture and mechanical damage. The veneer of natural wood gives the product a premium look, but requires careful care and regular polishing. Lacquered veneer is more stable, but can give glare in certain lighting.
Film pasting (PVC) is a popular and budget option that allows you to simulate any texture, from carbon to rare woods. High-quality film with air channels is easily glued and hides small irregularities of the putty. Painting in matte or glossy color allows you to fit acoustics into any interior, but requires perfect surface preparation.
⚠️ Attention: The thickness of the finishing material affects the diameter of the installation hole. If you order a case with an already milled hole under the speaker, take into account the thickness of the veneer or film so that the speaker does not fall out or, conversely, does not get stuck.
When choosing a color, remember that light tones visually increase the object, and dark tones hide the volume. Glossy surfaces are easily scratched and collect fingerprints, whereas matte textures (textured finish) are more practical to use. For home Hi-Fi systems often choose strict black or white options, or imitation of wood for the interior.
Independent revision and sealing
Even buying an expensive case does not guarantee the perfect result without proper preparation. Before installing the speakers, it is necessary to carefully seal all joints and places of output of wires. It is best to use a silicone sealant or special acoustic greases that do not harden with time.
Internal damping is another important step. The walls of the case should be glued with vibroproofing materials (bitumen or polymer mastics) to remove the ringing. After that, the inner space is filled with a syntepon or felt to absorb standing waves and acoustic design.
☑️ Checklist for corps preparation
The terminal group should be installed reliably, using high-quality connectors that provide good contact. Cheap plastic terminals can oxidize and distort the signal. Make sure the wires inside the housing are of sufficient length and not stretched to avoid vibrational rattling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a smaller body than the speaker manufacturer recommends?
Using a smaller body will increase the resonance frequency of the system and reduce the depth of basses. The speaker will operate in a nonlinear mode, which can cause overload and mechanical damage to the suspension. It is better to choose a speaker designed for small volumes than to stuff the RF head into a tight box.
Do I need to do internal bracing in shelf acoustics?
For small shelves with thin walls (less than 18 mm), sprinkling is critical. It breaks down large planes of walls, increasing their rigidity and shifting the resonant frequencies of the body beyond the audible range. In subwoofers, the bursting is mandatory.
Where is the best placement of the phase inverter: front or back?
The rear port saves space in the front and simplifies the design, but requires a retreat from the rear wall (usually 20-40 cm) to work properly. The front port is less critical to the positioning of the column in the room, but can create whistling sounds at high volume if the edges of the port are not handled.
Which glue is better to use for assembling the body with your own hands?
For the assembly of MDF and wooden housings, PVA joinery glue (class D3 or D4) or polyurethane adhesives are best suited. They provide a strong bond that is often stronger than the material itself. It is important to tightly tighten the parts with rods until completely drying.
Does the shape of the body affect the sound other than the volume?
Yes, the shape affects the diffraction of sound waves at the edges of the body. Rounded edges or the shape of the bullet reduce diffraction distortion, improving the stereo panorama. Rectangular boxes with sharp edges can create additional reflections that blur the sound scene.