I'm a recent convert to vintage JBL and Altec Lansing gear and would appreciate some advice.

I've just picked up a pair of Altec Lansing Model 5's (my first Altec stuff) for $20cdn and the cabinets have some water damage. The sound is this awesome warm tone with crisp highs (dual cone tweeters).

I think the sound is worthy of new cabinets and I don't think this model is particularly sought after so I'm torn between replicating the original boxes and trying something new.

For replicas I would use a heavier MDF and bracing inside.

My question is can the shape of the cabinet be changed but its volume kept the same and expect close to original performance?

I know a lot of testing goes into commercial cabinet designs but the old gear seemed to pay less attention to this. I've also considered going for a larger and heavier cabinet and keeping the same port size.

Thanks for any ideas.