What material should I cover my subwoofer enclosure with?

Question

I've seen boxes covered with lots of different material. I was wondering what difference in sound they will make.

Also what's polyurethal bedliner?? It looks smooth and pretty cool. How will it differ from using regular carpet covering?

Answer 1

The proper stuff looks like carpet but isn't, its thinner and lighter. Available at fabric shops for about 12 bucks a meter, in a half dozen colors. Its not the covering that makes a difference, its the box itself and the lining inside. Quilt wadding is the same as speaker insulation, available at the fabric shop and 1/4 the price of speaker insulation. The wood should be special resin impregnated wood for speakers but I'll bet it isn't. (very expensive) The company's like to sell you highly expensive 'special' products but you don't need em. Use thick wood 16-20mm (5/8-3/4in) for boxes, use heaps of wadding inside the box and it will sound great.

Answer 2

the material u use to cover the enclosure is not going to affect the sound quality. your enclosure deminsions will determine that. the carpet like material will do very well and is cheap and easy to find in different colors @ the local fabric store. also very easy to apply w/ adhesive spray and will look like a pro did it. there are other options like leather but they will cost more.

Answer 3

The covering you put on your enclosure will not do anything for the sound of the enclosure.  It is just going to be for looks.  

Bedliner is the stuff they use to spray in pickup truck beds.  It is pretty durable stuff so it can take a beating.  A lot of people use it for this reason and also because some people like the way it looks.  

If you aren't looking for anything special then just go with some regular speaker cabinet carpet.  That is usually just nonbacked or latex back materials that bends easily and is easy to work with.  

Some other materials I have seen used are vinyl laminates.  These are usually found in home audio cabinets but I have seen some for sub enclosures in cars.

If you really want to go all out consider suede or alligator skin to cover your enclosure with ;-)

Good Luck!!!