I did say they’re for beginners, but to say you can get a router and jointer and wood for under $250 you’re either buying the cheapest tools and wood I wouldn’t trust, or being extremely patient for Craigslist deals (nothing wrong with that, but definitely takes more time than some have), or extremely lucky with where you live. Also the MDF is a plus. No voids or issues in the wood, the uniformity is a big benefit over even plywood.

And worse than retail? In what way? Finish? Eh, maybe. But compared to all those faux wood veneers out there I’ll take even a basic rattle can finish. Audio quality? Doubted. The home theater groups near me (at least pre covid) was constantly doing sub/speaker shootouts and measurements. The diysoundgroup stuff was usually the winner or right up with the winners.