Economical alternative to Wadia ipod dock?

Just get a mac mini instead of a doc. The mac mini is $599 and is a full blown computer which will have iTunes in it, ability to act as a music and movie server and he can plug his iPod into it. Best of all it has digital out.

All later model macs have a digital/analog headphone output that will do analog through a 1/8" headphone cable OR toslink with an adapter. It works incredibly well and when using for music you don't actually play direct from your iPod, but music comes from iTunes and can be digital out or analog chosen in the audio set up menu. They will output up to 96k resolution too so if you have a dac which will handle high res like the PS Audio digital link III or Bel Canto dac3 (I sell both) it will work marvelously. If I can help you with anything feel free to contact me through my web site or audiogon.