KZB,
You've come to the right place for lots of advice, from a bunch of audio lunatics.
If hubby is down for a 'pod, no problem. The Wadia is the only 'dock' available THAT I KNOW OF, which gets to the digital output of the 'pod. ALL others are like plugging in a set of headphones, with all the limits of the Apple's electronics, which frankly, ain't that high. I use a pod in my car which is fine. Also, to make best use of the I-pod in a home system, you need to figure out a few things like 'lossless formats', which means that MP-3 is not on the list. Using a stereo of even medium resolving power, most people can tell they like the lossless files better than MP-3, even if they can't tell WHY.
Another way to go for home use is to get the computer involved. I use a MAC, so may be considered a snob, but this will work for a PC, too. When I get this together, around Christmas (HINT HINT) I will be able to send a wireless, lossless signal from my confuser to my stereo in lossless, (Apple Lossless, actually) format and put ALL my cds on the computer and use the computer as a gigantic Ipod. There are other lossless formats available, FLAC, for example is supported by WINAMP player, (freebie) among others.
That being said, I listen to lots of XM radio. This doesn't sound any better than MP-3s, really, but is just so darn EASY. This may trump ultimate sound quality. Getting at music I never heard (new) or all the 'oldies' is just too attractive. If I bought even 1/4 of what I hear on XM, I'd be broke.
You may want to spend an hour or more 'with the girls' at a local hi-end shop. (support network) This will get your ears tuned into what is better about hubby's setup. You simply WON'T believe how much you CAN spend on just a 'simple' stereo. Bring a Prozac, and be thankful. It could have been MUCH worse!
Many of the denizens of this site spend mid 5 digits on what is ostensibly a hobby. Total career expenditures can run EASILY to 6 digits, since many go thru 2, 3 or more setups over a lifetime. Yes, I know you'd rather spend a couple weeks in Hawaii, but here you are!
Be thankful that hubby ISN'T (is he??) into old cars or photography....Now that'd REALLY run into some cash.
You've come to the right place for lots of advice, from a bunch of audio lunatics.
If hubby is down for a 'pod, no problem. The Wadia is the only 'dock' available THAT I KNOW OF, which gets to the digital output of the 'pod. ALL others are like plugging in a set of headphones, with all the limits of the Apple's electronics, which frankly, ain't that high. I use a pod in my car which is fine. Also, to make best use of the I-pod in a home system, you need to figure out a few things like 'lossless formats', which means that MP-3 is not on the list. Using a stereo of even medium resolving power, most people can tell they like the lossless files better than MP-3, even if they can't tell WHY.
Another way to go for home use is to get the computer involved. I use a MAC, so may be considered a snob, but this will work for a PC, too. When I get this together, around Christmas (HINT HINT) I will be able to send a wireless, lossless signal from my confuser to my stereo in lossless, (Apple Lossless, actually) format and put ALL my cds on the computer and use the computer as a gigantic Ipod. There are other lossless formats available, FLAC, for example is supported by WINAMP player, (freebie) among others.
That being said, I listen to lots of XM radio. This doesn't sound any better than MP-3s, really, but is just so darn EASY. This may trump ultimate sound quality. Getting at music I never heard (new) or all the 'oldies' is just too attractive. If I bought even 1/4 of what I hear on XM, I'd be broke.
You may want to spend an hour or more 'with the girls' at a local hi-end shop. (support network) This will get your ears tuned into what is better about hubby's setup. You simply WON'T believe how much you CAN spend on just a 'simple' stereo. Bring a Prozac, and be thankful. It could have been MUCH worse!
Many of the denizens of this site spend mid 5 digits on what is ostensibly a hobby. Total career expenditures can run EASILY to 6 digits, since many go thru 2, 3 or more setups over a lifetime. Yes, I know you'd rather spend a couple weeks in Hawaii, but here you are!
Be thankful that hubby ISN'T (is he??) into old cars or photography....Now that'd REALLY run into some cash.