Vintage HiFi Audio Forum

Audio Discussion => List your system => Topic started by: Reverend on July 15, 2011, 09:52:57 AM

Title: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Reverend on July 15, 2011, 09:52:57 AM: Tom and I came up with a challenge that we'd like everyone to get involved with. This stems from drunken talks about the small bookshelf system Tom has in his listening room and how much it cost to put that system together. So, the challenge/contest will be to put together a system for $200 or less.

Rules:
1. System must and only contain the following items: (1) receiver or integrated amp + (1) source + (1) set of speakers
2. The system must cost a total of $200 or less (this includes shipping charges)

The date of the challenge is yet to be determined but we will give everyone a few weeks to get their system together. There may be further stipulations to the rules but for right now you get the general idea. Please respond to this thread if you are interested in participating.

(http://compassiondave.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/pewter_trophy_lrg.jpg)
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on July 15, 2011, 10:39:18 AM: New or used? I think I have around $200 in my current system (Most of it was free).
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Reverend on July 15, 2011, 10:55:07 AM: New or used, it doesn't matter. I think free is ok, unless your deceased Uncle (example) left you a whole mcintosh system then I think we'd have to call bullshit on that.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: SunnyDaze on July 15, 2011, 11:18:25 AM: Considering my main system retails for a little over 15 grand and I've got under 900 into it, I might have an advantage with this. O0 O0 O0
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on July 15, 2011, 02:02:02 PM: Hmmm interesting challenge. Hard to quantify why we would think our combo is the 'best', but it should be a cool way of identifying good-sound-for-cheap combos and fighting about it on the forum. Great idea Rev - you and Tom should drink more and more often.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: bmwr75 on July 15, 2011, 02:59:50 PM: Quote from: SunnyDaze on July 15, 2011, 11:18:25 AM
Considering my main system retails for a little over 15 grand and I've got under 900 into it, I might have an advantage with this. O0 O0 O0

SD,

I know you are a Math major.......but 900 is > 200 no matter how you cipher it.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: bmwr75 on July 15, 2011, 03:05:18 PM: I'll bite on this one.

Harmon Kardon T30C TT - paid $0 (gift from a friend)

Sony TA-5950 integrated VFET amp - paid $75

ADS L1230 speakers - paid $123
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Reverend on July 15, 2011, 03:34:17 PM: Those ADS speakers are pretty huge. Maybe we should stipulate that there be bookshelf speakers only. I think the main idea was to have a contest/challenge with a small bookshelf system.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: non-prophet on July 15, 2011, 04:39:26 PM: Rev, Maybe we should have it consist of only new found equipment between a start and end date. No previously owned gear.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: tinpan on July 15, 2011, 05:10:07 PM: Sure wish I had a budget of $ 948 for this excercise
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: bmwr75 on July 15, 2011, 05:13:08 PM: Quote from: Reverend on July 15, 2011, 03:34:17 PM
Those ADS speakers are pretty huge. Maybe we should stipulate that there be bookshelf speakers only. I think the main idea was to have a contest/challenge with a small bookshelf system.

There you go changin' the rules.............OK, how about instead a pair of Dynaco A35s that I paid $50 for??

That gets my total down to $125.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Reverend on July 15, 2011, 05:54:21 PM: Maybe instead of having it ONLY be newly acquired items, it can also be items that are not part of your main setup/s? But maybe someone has a piece in their main system they'd like to use. You shouldn't have to go out and buy something new to fit that void. Or if it's not in your main system you already have an item you've had stached/in storage that you'd like to use? I think this is going to be hard to nail down the details.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: MacGeek on July 15, 2011, 06:07:51 PM: This will be fun. We may not have enough time/beer to listen to everything.

How do we determine what something cost? If I bought a bunch of gear in an estate/garage sale and sold enough of it to get back my investment, is what I have left over considered free? Or, should I prorate the purchase price and if so how do I do that?

As to the speaker size question, maybe the system should need to fit in a certain size box, like the airlines do with carry on bags...........
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Kingman on July 15, 2011, 07:27:38 PM: I didn't pay but $78 for my AL III's. I may be in... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on July 15, 2011, 07:30:44 PM: Bookshelf speakers will be the rule. $200 is the limit. NO EQUIPMENT YOU CURRENTLY OWN MAY BE USED. Must be equipment purchased after the contest begins. Contest will run the entire month of August. Systems will be brought into the shop during a meeting to be determined in September, so we can all listen to the systems. More rules will be on the way. I am ready for a beer. :laugh: Lets say you buy three components for $300 and sell two pieces off for $300. The value toward the cap with the one piece remaining will be 1/3 the purchase price. One other revision I would like to see is : shipping is not part of the cap price. That would compensate for spending $$$ to drive and pick something up.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on July 15, 2011, 07:48:01 PM: The reason for the bookshelf rule and new stuff rule starting in august you ask??? (1)There is still not a ton of room at the new shop. (2) All of us are always buying shit, lets see what we can come up with in a one month time frame. (3) No current equipment you own can be entered. You don't want to go against some of the items I would be able to enter if it were current stuff I owned. It took me years, not a month to come up with that stuff.
Legacy speakers $5. ( rule 1 and 3 violation)
ada Omega $25 (rule 3 violation)
Sansui 990DB Free( rule 3 violation)
Denon DCD-3300 (rule 3 violation)

Give us more thoughts so we can get the final rules in place. :-X
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: MacGeek on July 15, 2011, 09:43:15 PM: Tom, will you supply speaker stands and cables, to level the playing field?
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: SunnyDaze on July 15, 2011, 10:13:52 PM: I know 200<900, but, I'm used to being very broke. :)
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on July 15, 2011, 10:37:34 PM: Quote from: MacGeek on July 15, 2011, 09:43:15 PM
Tom, will you supply speaker stands and cables, to level the playing field?

Yes, speaker stands,speaker wires, and interconnects will be provided.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on July 15, 2011, 11:34:39 PM: Okay, this is not part of the contest as it was acquired over time, but I thought I'd mention it anyway...

Marantz 2230 receiver - found on side of road on trash day in Sq Hill
Sony CDP-311 - part of a display from a record label at the Camelot music I used to work at. The display went into the trash, the deck went into my car.
KLH Model Twenties - Freecycle score

The Marantz needed a good cleaning, and the KLHs got a recap and Howards Restor a Finish, but this is a nice little system for nothing (okay $40 or so in parts).
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: SunnyDaze on July 16, 2011, 01:21:25 AM: Fortunately I haven't picked up those JBL 830's yet. On the other hand, I won't most likely won't have the time or resources to participate in this challenge, as I'm moving over the next 2-3 weeks.

Can I enter my system as the best under $1000?
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: MacGeek on July 16, 2011, 06:16:23 AM: I suggest using the same source material for each demo and equalizing the volume of each system. I have an SPL meter if one is needed.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: bmwr75 on July 16, 2011, 07:41:27 AM: I'm out...........the newly acquired in August rule eliminates me. Not in the buying mode.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Slim-Shaddy on July 16, 2011, 08:12:37 AM: Can I include a subwoofer if I can fit it into the budget? Also, Tom, will your 12V ac to dc converter be available? ;D
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on July 16, 2011, 10:12:46 PM: Yes
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: thuffman03 on July 18, 2011, 11:51:13 AM: One more rule IMO should be added. You can take it or leave it but I think it will make sure no one spends more than $200.

We could make this into a claiming event. So, if someone feels that you spent more than $200, they can at any time during the event offer you the $200 and buy your system.

What do you think about that?
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Reverend on July 18, 2011, 11:53:48 AM: Quote from: thuffman03 on July 18, 2011, 11:51:13 AM
One more rule IMO should be added. You can take it or leave it but I think it will make sure no one spends more than $200.

We could make this into a claiming event. So, if someone feels that you spent more than $200, they can at any time during the event offer you the $200 and buy your system.

What do you think about that?

Receipts would be better don't you think? :laugh:
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: thuffman03 on July 18, 2011, 02:28:55 PM: Quote from: Reverend on July 18, 2011, 11:53:48 AM
Receipts would be better don't you think? :laugh:

That would work, but what if you bought it off of CL?
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on July 18, 2011, 08:00:25 PM: Quote from: thuffman03 on July 18, 2011, 11:51:13 AM
One more rule IMO should be added. You can take it or leave it but I think it will make sure no one spends more than $200.

We could make this into a claiming event. So, if someone feels that you spent more than $200, they can at any time during the event offer you the $200 and buy your system.

What do you think about that?

If I put together a system for less than $200 that you want to buy, I don't want to sell it to you.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: DJTommyK on July 19, 2011, 03:08:20 PM: Is there any particular era for the equipment? IE - does it need to be "vintage"?
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on July 19, 2011, 07:46:08 PM: As long as it is not a current model still in production.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on July 28, 2011, 12:01:30 PM: I found a Marantz SR 7200 Receiver, Def Tech Pro Cinema 100 (2x) book shelf speakers, Pro Cinema 80 (2x) book shelf speakers and a Def Tech C2 Center channel and monster wire with banana plugs all for $200. I think this seems like a pretty good deal. Is there any prize for winning this besides having a decent speaker system for a reasonable price? haha
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on July 28, 2011, 12:04:26 PM: This may be good for a friend. She kind of wants speakers but doesn't have the funds. If this does not seem like a winner I might just wait to see what all you build and make an offer. :P
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: thuffman03 on July 28, 2011, 12:45:19 PM: Quote from: StephenWVU on July 28, 2011, 12:01:30 PM
I found a Marantz SR 7200 Receiver, Def Tech Pro Cinema 100 (2x) book shelf speakers, Pro Cinema 80 (2x) book shelf speakers and a Def Tech C2 Center channel and monster wire with banana plugs all for $200. I think this seems like a pretty good deal. Is there any prize for winning this besides having a decent speaker system for a reasonable price? haha

Yes that is a good deal. The Def Tech Pro Cinema 100's in good shape will get up to $200 for a pair, the 80's will fetch about $150 and the center $75.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OconeeOrange on July 28, 2011, 02:27:40 PM: This is too easy. :laugh:
I have one in use right now under $200.

A pair of Audioengine P4 speakers I got on ebay - $122.
An old 2X20 watt t-amp I got years ago for $40.
A 9 year old ScanDisk player you could not sell for $10 now.

The old adage from the 60's holds true here. Put your money in speakers.
These Audioengine speakers are the best small speakers I ever heard. I am bringing them to CarverFest to hook to my new "OO made" tube amp. People will blink. 8)

I should not post this as I am thinking about finding two more used pair and making a nice case for them to turn them into mains. I am just running up the price here.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on July 28, 2011, 02:36:03 PM: I don't think you are allowed to use speakers you already have.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Reverend on July 28, 2011, 02:58:24 PM: Quote from: StephenWVU on July 28, 2011, 02:36:03 PM
I don't think you are allowed to use speakers you already have.

Everything you enter must be purchased on or after August 1st.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Kingman on July 28, 2011, 03:11:47 PM: Quote from: Reverend on July 28, 2011, 02:58:24 PM
Quote from: StephenWVU on July 28, 2011, 02:36:03 PM
I don't think you are allowed to use speakers you already have.

Everything you enter must be purchased on or after August 1st.
...OO's in South Carolina like me...he ain't gonna enter anything!!!! :P :P :P
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on July 28, 2011, 04:03:32 PM: ahhh... So, is there anything for winning this competition besides bragging rights and a $200 system? haha
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: non-prophet on July 28, 2011, 07:08:00 PM: Yes, The winner gets a pair of Carver 305 tube monoblocks. But, There is an $11,000 entry fee. Good luck
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on July 28, 2011, 07:19:08 PM: Haha, awesome! I guess I will be happy with bragging rights! :P :P :P Though, it would be sick to have some carver equipment! ;D
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on July 28, 2011, 11:58:04 PM: Bah, it seems my friend doesn't want the speaker set I found for her. Thinking of still getting it but I am pretty sure my current speaker set is better. You guys can tell me. I have a set of polk audio monitor 50s, a def tech C1 and Celsius left and right book shelves. My current receiver is better than the Marantz I am pretty sure. I have a Pioneer Elite VSX 91 TXH. My subwoofer is an HSU STF-1. I know it isn't exactly an audiofile set; however, for a college student's bedroom I don't think it's horrid... Anyway... Opinions? Should I buy this set and sell some of my other stuff? Should I let it pass?
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: SunnyDaze on July 29, 2011, 12:55:48 AM: Which of the speakers would integrate best with the HSU?
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on July 29, 2011, 01:16:11 AM: Sadly I really don't know... Honestly the HSU is pretty temporary. Not a lot of power to it and I made the mistake of buying the Def Tech Supercube II from king for my dad... It just doesn't compare. I will probably end up getting a supercube, a larger SVS, or a HSU VTF 3 MK 3 eventually.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: SunnyDaze on July 29, 2011, 01:51:13 AM: Keep an eye on CL in Pittsburgh. Decent subs pop up now and then. Also, talk to Tom (OCCD) and see what's around the shop.

And yes, you are right. Once you hear or own a "proper" sub, it's tough to go back.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on July 29, 2011, 02:26:18 AM: As far as that set of speakers for $200... they also come with a Marantz SR 7200.. Should I pass them up or do you think it would be an upgrade? I think I could sell the receiver (Don't need it) and my older speakers for well over $200.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: SunnyDaze on July 29, 2011, 02:29:56 AM: I really don't have experience with either. Hopefully someone here does. You could always create a new thread with your question. Most folks here are more than willing to help.

I will say that sometimes "better" isn't always as it would seem. Sometimes you get lucky and the combination of gear that you're using sounds splendid. Other times, changing an amplifier or speakers to something "better" doesn't always produce the maximum amount of happiness.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on July 29, 2011, 04:18:24 AM: Thanks for all the help!
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: MasterBlaster on August 21, 2011, 08:17:35 PM: I figured it was time for a progress report.

Here's what I've got so far:

Tuner: Marantz Twenty Seven - $60 from the Charity Auction
Speakers: Advent Baby II - $0 they needed refoamed. Refoam cost TBD.
CD Player: Search in progress - (Pictured with an old Sherwood I had laying around)

I'm putting this system together for my daughters bedroom.
I've attached a few pics of the new setup along with a shot of what she was using up till now. :D
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on August 22, 2011, 04:29:43 PM: I have nothing so far. I will find something. 8)
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: MacGeek on August 22, 2011, 04:37:36 PM: Picked up a pair of BIC Venturi 6" 2-ways for $5 and a Fisher Studio Standard integrated with a matching Tuner for $1 each at garage sales this weekend. Don't yet know if any of it works.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Kingman on August 22, 2011, 06:01:29 PM: Quote
Tuner: Marantz Twenty Seven - $60 from the Charity Auction
... :'(...could have been mine..... :'(
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: MasterBlaster on August 22, 2011, 06:45:36 PM: Sorry Wayne, you could have tried to bid against me....
Regardless of who won, it was a winning proposition for Mikey - the recipient of the auction proceeds. :D
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Kingman on August 22, 2011, 07:35:10 PM: You are correct!!!! I am blessed with enough other stuff that I could never complain. :)
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on August 23, 2011, 12:22:06 AM: Quote from: MacGeek on August 22, 2011, 04:37:36 PM
Picked up a pair of BIC Venturi 6" 2-ways for $5

I gave away a pair of those (V62 IIRC) after using them for years. IMHO they will crush the Baby Advents (I A/B'd them and unloaded the Advents). I have a few things I found myself (I may have two under $200 systems for your consideration), but haven't tested yet either.

I'm looking forward to this.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: MacGeek on August 23, 2011, 05:14:41 PM: I tried my $7 system last night and except for some noisy pots and controls, everything works. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a 'table or CD player to use in place of the tuner.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on August 24, 2011, 06:20:45 PM: SUCKERS, YOU ARE ALL GONNA LOSE!!! THESE JUST SHOWED UP AT THE DOOR $0 SPENT. NOW I NEED SPEAKERS AND A SOURCE. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Slim-Shaddy on August 24, 2011, 06:34:30 PM: I'll swap you the AL3s for something for awhile if you're interested.... Maybe the Legacies? You only paid what $5 for them, so if you traded me that would only be $5 towards the $200 total ;D
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on August 24, 2011, 07:06:06 PM: Quote from: OCCD on August 24, 2011, 06:20:45 PM
SUCKERS, YOU ARE ALL GONNA LOSE!!! THESE JUST SHOWED UP AT THE DOOR $0 SPENT. NOW I NEED SPEAKERS AND A SOURCE. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Doesn't thuffman get to but them for $200 now?
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: BrianT on August 24, 2011, 08:20:53 PM: Quote from: OCCD on August 24, 2011, 06:20:45 PM
SUCKERS, YOU ARE ALL GONNA LOSE!!! THESE JUST SHOWED UP AT THE DOOR $0 SPENT. NOW I NEED SPEAKERS AND A SOURCE. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

OK Tom.

I do agree, you spent "DICK" (as us brits would say) but I spent a PISS load
so I do not know if it counts in the $200.00 challenge. If it does you
are going to win.

Brian
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on August 24, 2011, 08:48:06 PM: HOLY SHIT GANG. THESE AMPS ARE INCREDIBLE!
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on August 24, 2011, 08:50:20 PM: Quote from: OCCD on August 24, 2011, 08:48:06 PM
HOLY SHIT GANG. THESE AMPS ARE INCREDIBLE!

1/3 piss load. :laugh:
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: OCCD on August 24, 2011, 09:18:00 PM: :o
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on August 24, 2011, 09:33:16 PM: Beautiful.
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Kingman on August 25, 2011, 07:21:03 AM: TUBE HEAVEN!!!!! 8) O0 8) O0 8)
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: StephenWVU on August 25, 2011, 07:56:22 PM: Holy cow those amps are beautiful... Definitely going to help you win.... If some of you want to sell your inexpensive systems you build, I have a friend who is looking for some cheap speakers that sound nice... Hell, I might have to go to PA and see if anyone wants to sell me theirs.. Oh yeah, and I need to bring my receiver up there... My back left channel is screwy. That's what I get for using CL for a receiver. :(
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on October 09, 2011, 11:31:30 PM: So when does all this stuff get shown at the shop?
Title: Re: **** The $200 System Challenge! ****
Post by: SunnyDaze on December 03, 2011, 03:21:57 PM: Oh boy. I can't wait for this. I'll even bring the bookshelves. :)