$100 Challenge: Build this system

Thanks for the responses. I thought you'd have some fun with it.

Some responses:

1. No, she does not want multiple speakers in multiple rooms. That would be ridiculous. She just wants it to be loud enough to listen throughout her apartment. Computer won't do that.

2. She doesn't want to wear headphones around her apartment all the time. Just wants background music, I think. Good try, though.

3. The Kloss table radio option is awesome. That is something I wouldn't have considered. The Teac is also interesting. I'll pass those along.

4. Boombox *is* the obvious answer, but it seems to be a cop-out to me. I like the challenge of beating that for $100, especially when they don't sound at all good under $150, imo.

5. The partsexpress option is something to think about, thanks.

Yes, it is an insane budget, but I am not convinced it can't be done well. Just need to get a little lucky, I think.

I am leaning towards the challenge of trying to locate a working vintage receiver and a pair of speakers while garage sale-ing for LPs this summer. That and a Radio Shack connector and we're done. That has to kill a boombox, doesn't it?

Enjoy!

I think the Kloss radio is a great option as well. Do they have something like that she could plug her iPod into?

I found a three-piece Teac mini/office system that was on closeout at Fry's for $69, threw away the speakers that came with it, bought a pair of Polk R15's on craigslist for $30 and gave the setup to my daughter for use in her apartment. It actually sounds amazingly good.

The Teac system had originally cost $299 and was worth probably half that but it's got decent sound, an auxiliary input for her iPod, a built in DVD/CD player, AM/FM and lots of cool blue LED's. The Polk speakers are pretty nice for the price, too, I've seen them on sale new at Fry's for $49.

drive around your neighborhood a day or two before garbage pick-up day and see what audio goodies some one is disposing of or a thrift shop...put the $100 towards upgrades or your favorite charity...

Garage sale is the way to go. Over the past 2 years I've picked up: 60s Pioneer receiver - $3; 60s Fisher receiver - $5; Harmon KArdon 330c - $40; Thorens TD160 turntable w/ cartridge - $10; Polk speakers - $35; AR4a speakers w/ sony receiver - $35; Dual 1019 turntable - $2; the list goes on. All were in very good cosmetic shape and worked just fine.
If you are not in a hurry and have the patience for garage/estate sales you can get some incredible bargains.
Good luck!