Plexiglass, how does it "alter" the sound

[Mathman 0]

I am putting a new system in my girls car and was thinking about using some plexiglass on a sealed system. My question is though, how does this affect the sound? I have seen plenty of systems in magazines using plexiglass but never heard one, does it have an impact on the way it sounds or no.

[cx-7heaven 7]

I've heard them before, they don't sound wierd to me, but I wasnt able to a/b it either. Sounded fine though.

[Tirefryr 1,742]

All materials will have a distinct sonic characteristic. Ideally you want something dense and solid. Take a piece of acrylic and smack it with a hammer, then take a piece of lead and smack it with a hammer, you'll get what I'm saying.

Now, using plexi on a couple walls, you won't notice a thing given it's strong enough and sealed properly. An all acrylic enclosure will definately have a different sound than an MDF enclosure. It all has to do with wave damping really. With acrylic, you're likely to have more resonance, standing waves, etc, but we're getting into "golden ear" territory here.

I really wouldn't worry about it unless she's an audiphile and it's clear she's not or the question would have never been raised.

[Mathman 0]

Great, thanks. It was lingering in my mind for a good while now, it is nice to finally know the answer.

Thanks again

[weasle421 1]

The thicker the acrylic the better of course. Personally i wouldn't use less than 1" But i work in a sign shop. As far as getting it i would check with your local sign shops to see if they would sell some "scrap" to you cause a 4" x 8" of 1/2" is around $350 wholesale.

where ya located i may be able to help...

Edited December 14, 2007 by weasle421

[///M5 2,833]

As long as it is thick and stiff enough there won't be a difference.