How cheap can you go and still be happy with the sound?

I found that the dirtier and nastier the task, the more forgiving I am of flaws in audio quality.  Listening to music while cleaning the bugs off the motorhome, for example, does not require a pristine delivery of an audio masterpiece to be a beneficial musical contribution..  Just something more pleasant than standing on a ladder while removing bug guts gets a "pass."  Working on a classic car?  Same rules apply, but  genre also matters.  The laid back sound of California surfer music instrumentals lowers the stress level and reduces the "tool throwing factor" by 50%.

@asvjerry

You rarely disappoint.

Your "tool bounce off" moment was an effective Newtonian physics demonstration. Very impressive!

One question: Was the wrench standard or Metric?

@asvjerry ... Sunbeam (Tiger/Alpine) = British ≠ metric.  Got lots of 1/4-20 & 1/4-28 bolts holding the windscreen frames, boot and bonnet brackets in place.  Go figure.

@chenry

Well stated.  And, correct.  Currently "messing around" with Fosi and WiiM gear at present.  At just over $350 (for the pair), delivers something "enjoyable" to those who have not had the opportunity to get up close and personal with stellar hifi systems.

@asvjerry

"When I met the 'spous' to be, she'd bought a Ford Fiesta hatch, 1st Gen in US trim...  One day, both side by side for a common oil/filter routine...."

Oh yes.  The exchange of fluids remains one of the most enduring dating rituals to this day.  Standard or metric?  Not a factor.

@livinon2wheels 

Your username says it all.  And, yes, being upside down with your head under a dashboard with feet sticking straight up out the top of a sports car is not as appealing as it used to be.  Those air compressors are noisey little <expletive>.

@livinon2wheels 

Good product choices.  Great bang for the buck.  I have also "retired" from racing.  My favorite ride is not my quickest, but "makes good noises" when I get on it.

@kerrybh 

"More than one thing can be true at a time."

I love this quote.  I use it often in "conflict resolution" when both parties feel the ultimate goal is to be "right."

It reminds me of what I heard on the radio when I had lots of windshield time, searching for something to listen to on AM.  I came across an old comedy broadcast from decades ago. It went something like this:

Host: We're going to do a math quiz.

Guest:  Okay

Host: What is six plus six?

Guest: (pause)

Host:  It's twelve!

Guest:  NO!!  Six and six CAN'T by twelve.  Eight plus four is twelve!!

Simple.  But makes a prettty profound (and useful) commentary on our deperate attempts to find differences vs searching for common ground. There can be "right" answers on both sides.