Drubin: I have to agree--I've never seriously considered the Tyler's because it seems like Ty either stuffs the same drivers into different size boxes or, as you say, rotates different drivers into the same boxes with what seems to be little regard for their inherent performance characteristics. I'm no expert here but just my hunch that each of his many models does not get individualized attention in the design phase.
On the issue of cabinet materials I second what has been said here--the Harbeth "lossy" cabinet is a clever and time tested approach to dealing with resonances and, in my view, it works. Harbeth's simply disappear for large boxes and are very low in coloration. The veneer applied to the outside of the lossy cabinet is first rate, however, and doesn't look at all "cheap" to me. The Daedalus, which I currently own, use solid hardwoods in constructing the cabinets. The goal here is rigidity, not flex. Lou feels that hardwood is pound for pound much stronger that MDF and resonates far less and what does move happens within a more favorable frequency range. In my experience I think he is right. My DA-1's sound fabulous and very organic--like real music itself.
On the issue of cabinet materials I second what has been said here--the Harbeth "lossy" cabinet is a clever and time tested approach to dealing with resonances and, in my view, it works. Harbeth's simply disappear for large boxes and are very low in coloration. The veneer applied to the outside of the lossy cabinet is first rate, however, and doesn't look at all "cheap" to me. The Daedalus, which I currently own, use solid hardwoods in constructing the cabinets. The goal here is rigidity, not flex. Lou feels that hardwood is pound for pound much stronger that MDF and resonates far less and what does move happens within a more favorable frequency range. In my experience I think he is right. My DA-1's sound fabulous and very organic--like real music itself.