I am planning on building a sealed box for a 10" Alpine Type R (SWR 1021d) sub. I have looked and read a bit on the whole process, but I have seen some differing points regarding shape and wanted to see what you guys think. I am clear on the whole size (volume) issue - in my case, my sub suggests between a .5 and a .8 cubic volume box. I want to make a box with around .66 cubic feet internal volume. Here is where my confusion lies.........Does shape matter? I have heard that a perfect cube is a bad idea. I would like to stay away from slanted sides (different bottom and top sizes) because I don't want to have to make angular/mitre cuts. Basically, something resembling a rectangle is easier to make. Many people say that as long as it isn't an exact cube you are good to go, but I have seen several places (for example)
http://www.loudspeakers101.com/BoxCalc.htm

http://www.kbapps.com/construction.html


that talk about the "golden ratio". Is this ratio of side length that important? Will there be a noticable difference? I calculated my side length with this ratio and I don't really like the shape. Also, it appears that the pre-made boxes (Q logic for example) do not follow this ratio. Anyone have any insights?

Also, what gauge speaker wire do you suggest? I am pushing this sub with a RF 250a2.


Thanks!

By the way, the shape I want to use (outside edge to outside edge) is 12 x 12 x 12 (with 3/4" MDF) which gives me an internal volume of .6699 (10.5" x 10.5" x 10.5"). What do you guys think of that? (This is directly from Ti.net )