Speaker Asylum

As far as regular MDF goes, in terms of finishing...

108.34.204.30

John Marks

M

In Reply to: RE: Its odd the way they say it is and isnt MDF posted by Edp on June 18, 2024 at 14:09:16

My go-to-finish for MDF is Zinsser Clear Spray Shellac.

The above photo is of a prototype with a Richlite Stratum Birch front panel, cabinet shell is MDF, and the Edge Protection Strips are ($$$!) Extreme Flame Tiger Maple, at about $100 per Board foot.

The Zinsser Clear Spray Shellac makes for a nice Satin finish on MDF. So I assume it would do the same for Valchromat.

john
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-12-oz-Clear-Shellac-Spra (Open in New Window)

Follow Ups:

Shellac and Spar Varathane - Edp 08:57:13 06/19/24 (3)
Zinsser Shellac has been a stable in my house and shop for decades.

Drops can stiffen rejuvenate a MDF screw hole. Finish is quick n easy, plus simpler to coat inside of enclosure, spray like heck to a fog level, then let it settle.

Also great for lath n plaster houses. Always coat any drill holes or cutouts, turns plaster sand back to solid.

SparVarathane that is water based doesn't yellow like the oil based, but have had a couple MDF pucker some, probably put on too thick of the water based.

Different question. See you've been using a number of the small ribbon based tweeters of late. Besides the easy answer of Stage or RAAL, what current marks have you found quality, robustness , available replacement diaphragms/ribbon , and use ability. Not looking for a super tweeter labeled tweeter. Haven't checked in decade and got burned by some not robust and replacements no longer supported. Kitchen refrigerator magnets.
- Fountek has many offerings - John Marks 12:17:44 06/19/24 (2)
  I think that the "sweet spot" of Fountek's ribbon line is the NeoCE3.0, which Madisound currently $124 each. Tekton uses it--link.
  
  https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/ribbon-tweeters/fountek-neocd3.0m-blk-3-ribbon-tweeter-round-flange-black/
  
  They have a 5-inch ribbon at $164:
  
  https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/ribbon-tweeters/fountek-neocd2.0m-blk-5-ribbon-tweeter-rectangular-flange-black/
  
  That ribbon goes down to 1,200Hz, so it might be easier to integrate.
  
  My consultant Jim Tuomy listened to one of my NeoCD3.0 designs, and I have no idea how loud he listened, but he thought that (just like every other ribbon he ever heard) it fell down on dynamics.
  
  I didn't want to mess with Beryllium tweeters, so Jim and I compromised on the Beyma TPL-75 AMT. A wonderful handover to the PurifiPTT525 woofer-mid.
  
  john
  - https://tektondesign.com/product/full-range-speakers/full-to (Open in New Window)
  - Had used Fountek and LCY - Edp 14:46:27 06/19/24 (1)
    Well over decade ago
    
    Fountek was better but guy I built for pops ribbons about 3 years later and replacements were gone. New and I think better units were offered
    
    LCY. Didn't last and some oddities with the recessed window/lens. Long ago experience and mags are used for outside yard decorations, hold up outdoor project screen on my house metal roof
    
    AMT - like all other type drivers good and poor examples , even among the Names. Seems generally stay away from the bargain and entry level priced units seem to be good guidelines
    
    Thanks for input
    - I think Madisound repairs Fountek ribbons. - John Marks 15:45:35 06/19/24 (0)
      That said, I love the Beyma TPL-75.
      
      It's ribbon is larger than, and the entire tweeter weighs twice as much as, and it can be crossed over one octave lower than what Mundorf sells you for $200 more, each.
      
      ciao,
      
      john

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