sheep's wool vs. polyfil

DaveSen

Several months ago, while on various forums asking questions about stuffing speakers with medium other than traditional polyfil, a few speaker builders responded by stating they use long-haired sheep's wool as an alternative. They also stated they feel it is "the best" material for stuffing speakers. At first I thought they were joking at my expense (and they may have been!) but when they started conversing with each other about the benefits of the wool I now think they may have been sincere. So, at the risk of being played, (1) what do you folks think of this alternative and (2) where can I get some long-haired sheep's wool to experiment with (online options)? Thanks, and BAAAAA!

dam

parts express. com sells acousta stuff that is better than dacron or fiberglass havent seen the sheeps wool in years .i would not use wool in any unsealed enclosure it might absorb humidty , also moths

Airplay355

i thought wool repelled water? how would it absorb humidity?

burdette

Originally posted by DaveSen
(1) what do you folks think of this alternative and (2) where can I get some long-haired sheep's wool to experiment with (online options)? Thanks, and BAAAAA!

I built a pair of acoustic suspension speakers about a year ago.. or was it two? Anyway.. ya, there are guys who swear by real sheep's wool.. none of that stimulated sheep skin. You *can* buy it, just do a search on Google, check out some of the esoteric DIY sites. I bought the acoustistuf from Parts's Express and was quite satisfied. Ideally, you do listening tests with various amounts of fill... from that perspective, I'm not sure it really matters. The actual volumes might be different for poly vs. acoustistuf vs. real wool... but I think you can achieve essentially the same results. (notice: this from a EE who also doesn't buy into things like esoteric wire, so take it for what you think it's worth). I used a twin-sized foam "egg crate" mattress pad from WalMart to line my Sonosub.... flat to 15 Hz and reference-level volumes... but what'da'I know?

Humidity and moths (?) could be a problem.... not to mention foxes....

DaveSen

Thanks, Burdette. I'll probably experiment w/the wool - at least in the lower chamber of the speaker - if it's not too expensive an experiment. I don't think moisture would be a problem w/wool and I 'spose the "moth factor' is an issue, but the kid in me thinks it would be really cool to see a moth or two shooting out of the powerport during movie explosions!

dam

would cat hair work my long haired maine coon cat sheds a pound or two a week if anyone wants any i will save my old vacum cleaner bags and send them to you .

Tour2ma

I think sheep's wool is a baaaaaaaa-d idea...

(Sorry, I couldn't help myself...)