Finished. Some minor touchups after the poly cures for a week or so. Need a little thicker weather strip for the woofers. The 1/16" I had did actually compress but I could use 3/16" for a better fit.
Most noticeable difference being is these cabinets don't vibrate at all. Most noticeable at higher volumes. I had one of each the old and new in play and made that comparison. Stock cabinet vibrates significantly more than the thicker, braced remodels. Audible difference? It would have to be something measurable, but likely not audible. Mostly because the stock ones sound fine too.
These things are CHUNKY. They have added heft, which I would expect from a 175W, full range, 8" 3-way that thumps like these do. It was that chest-punchy mid bass that compelled me to beef and brace these up. They don't feel like budget speakers and they gained 4# in the process. The design is dated, and the cabinets are just imperfect enough to look the part. In other words, it doesn't look 'too' good to be in with all my other humble surroundings and possessions. Plus my subs are wrapped in the same cherry veneer so now I can mix and match all my speakers and subs.
