best wood for speaker cabinets ? oak,cherry, balti

As I recall, Audio Note speakers evolved from MDF to Baltic Birch for a reason. The drivers and the minimally-braced Baltic Birch cabinet are designed to work as a unit. The interaction has been likened to the way a stringed instrument projects its sound. While it might be fun to experiment with different cabinet materials, it is not how (and why) the speaker was designed to produce its characteristic sound.

That is correct. I have a pair of older Audio Note AN/J speakers with the MDF and particleboard construction that are at least 15 years old. I haven't heard the newer baltic birch versions but they are reputed to sound better with the change in cabinet material alone. Go with the recommended birch.

I found this article that makes extensive comparison between birch plywood and MDF:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/cabinet_walls_e.html

To my surprise they found birch to be better. 11-ply Baltic Birch plywood might be good.

Thank you all very much for your great comments.
I have decided to build the first pair cabinets to the Audio Note spec.

I have to say that I was very impressed with so many of your comments and knowledge. We have a very valuable team here in Audiogon in our diverse and passionate views with our hobby.

Thank you all.
Matt

One of the best bookshelf speakers I've ever heard was constructed of bamboo plywood but, because it was a while ago, I don't remember the manufacturer. It may have been Canalis but that's just a guess. I don't know if the sound quality of those speakers had much or anything to do with the bamboo construction but I'm preparing to build enclosures for single full range drivers to be used in a small listening area and, because I don't like working with MDF, I'm trying to decide whether to try plain hardwood, birch plywood or bamboo plywood. I've done a little shopping and have found that the several choices in 3/4 inch "carbonized" bamboo plywood are not sold in many of the local outlets and that it is very much more expensive than other wood.

This thread has been helpful in that regard but I would appreciate comments regarding the use of bamboo. I admit that I'm leaning toward bamboo partly because it's different and looks neat.