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Thread: Who's up for a "Cheap as Chips" Challenge?

  1. #1
    Alex_UK's Avatar
    Alex_UK is offline Spotify + Facebook Moderator / Chilled-Out Wino and only here for the shilling
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    Default Who's up for a "Cheap as Chips" Challenge?

    So here's the idea - most "normal" people these days spend £100 on an ipod dock, and think they have a hifi...

    But just how good a sound could you get for £100?

    You will obviously need a source, some form of amplification and speakers, and all the cabling and any other tweaks you want to apply such as feet, and in the case of a turntable, a cartridge and mat.

    No cheating - you can't use anything you currently own, although anything you can blag for free can be included!

    If there's enough interest, (and if it doesn't cost a fortune) then I will sponsor a room at Scalford 2012 (bit too late for this year) and let's see what you can put together for under a ton! Best sound wins! (Maybe not much, apart from the kudos!)

    DIY or modding is fine, but the cost of any parts needs to be included in your budget.

    So - anyone up for the challenge? You've got over a year to be scouring ebay, the free ads, the local dump or relatives attics - could be a lot of fun, and your opportunity to truly demonstrate the "sound per pound value" we love on AoS!
    Alex

    Main System: Digital: HP Laptop/M2Tech Hiface/Logitech Media Server/FLAC; Marantz SA7001 KI Signature SACD Player and other digital stuff into Gatorised Beresford Caiman DAC Vinyl: Garrard 401/SME 3009 SII Improved/Sumiko HS/Nagaoka MP-30
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  2. #2
    Join Date: Jan 2008

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    I like it, Alex!

    Marco.

    P.S Happy Birthday!
    Main System

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  3. #3
    Join Date: May 2008

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    I'm ChrisB.

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    What a brilliant idea!

    One small suggestion though - I wouldn't let the solder sniffers get away with too much. You should put a price on their time as well as the parts.

  4. #4
    Alex_UK's Avatar
    Alex_UK is offline Spotify + Facebook Moderator / Chilled-Out Wino and only here for the shilling
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    Quote Originally Posted by The Grand Wazoo View Post
    What a brilliant idea!

    One small suggestion though - I wouldn't let the solder sniffers get away with too much. You should put a price on their time as well as the parts.
    Now, I did think about that (and this is very much a work in progress, so formal rules will have to be established, if we get enough interest) - but if you're not an "iron warrior" you will have to spend a lot of time researching and checking ebay etc. looking for the ultimate bargain, whereas the heat monkeys can just buy any old piece of Matsui-midi-system-tat, and polish said turd into a sonic masterpiece at the drop of a heat-proof hat... (so they tell us, anyway... ) - so the jury's out on that one at the moment I feel.
    Alex

    Main System: Digital: HP Laptop/M2Tech Hiface/Logitech Media Server/FLAC; Marantz SA7001 KI Signature SACD Player and other digital stuff into Gatorised Beresford Caiman DAC Vinyl: Garrard 401/SME 3009 SII Improved/Sumiko HS/Nagaoka MP-30
    Amplifier: Rega Brio R. Speakers: Spendor SP1. Cables: Various, mainly Mark Grant.
    Please see "about me" for the rest of my cr@p! Gallery


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  5. #5
    Join Date: Nov 2010

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    I'm Mike.

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    Can i put my upstairs system in for it, all bought on ebay and under £100


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  6. #6
    Join Date: Jul 2010

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    Wouldn't mind having a crack at this myself, at least it'd be fun
    Bests, Mark



    "We must believe in free will. We have no choice" Isaac Bashevis Singer

  7. #7
    Join Date: Feb 2011

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    I'm Adam.

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    This sounds fun, i wont take part as im poor lol (still trying to get my Teac Ref 300 system together) but will watch this thread closely.

    Adam.
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  8. #8
    Join Date: May 2008

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    And no stuff borrowed from 'my best mate who just happened to have this £10k turntable sitting in their loft' either!

    Sounds like a fab idea Alex. If anyone has any spare stuff they can send it to me for trying out as well
    Nick
    My system...


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  9. #9
    Join Date: Jul 2010

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    Quote Originally Posted by Beechwoods View Post
    And no stuff borrowed from 'my best mate who just happened to have this £10k turntable sitting in their loft' either!

    If anyone has any spare stuff they can send it to me for trying out as well


    You don't work for Chancer Enterprises do you Nick?

    Bests, Mark



    "We must believe in free will. We have no choice" Isaac Bashevis Singer

  10. #10
    Join Date: May 2008

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    It doesn't do any harm to be upfront, Mark
    Nick
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