ghettoblaster (in dj vinyl crate) - DIY or buy retail?

[exor]

i would appreciate some advice on building a "ghettoblaster"

i'd like a portable loud speaker system in a dj crate or aluminum looking case. i was going to build one from scratch, using some car speakers, maybe the sonic t-amp or a small car amp, a ton of D-batteries, etc..

i had a friend do this and it was a fun piece to take to things like beach bonfires. it was very loud, sounded great, and strangers loved it for its DIY-looks. so i could build this based on this "proven" design. PICS:





but then a few days ago, i came across this at an urban outfitters store: "Ion Portable PA System iPA03" and it retails for $300


specs:

* Powerful 15 Watt amplifier with 8" speaker
* XLR mic input
* 1/4 input for instruments or additional mic
* Stereo RCA input for CD player or drum machine
* Built-in rechargeable battery pack

* Input Voltage: AC 100-120V/ 60Hz, 220-240V/ 50Hz
* Output Wattage: (Peak) 22W
* Output Wattage: (RMS) 15W, 1%THD
* Frequency Response: 10Hz~ 50kHz +/- 3dB
* Time required to fully charge: under 12 hours
* Battery life: Over 10 hours* at full volume when fully charged.

SO... i wouldn't be expecting much out of this thing and i don't care for the ipod dock, but should i maybe consider it a starting point? i would gut the inside, replace the speaker and amp, etc.?

this Ion PA is basically the commercialized version of what i was going to build. any ideas? thanks

[pinkmouse]

I'd just buy it, and providing it isn't too bad, use it as is. Then you could spend the time and money you saved on some party CDs and beer.