Need Expert Help for a Gift


I am not sure I am on the right board, but please direct me if I am not, I am new at this.

Hi All,
My husband is a HUGE audiophile, and spent more than I care to admit on equipment for our home entertainment system. I would like to purchase a docking station for the new IPOD Nano 16gb device (which is also part of the gift), but I am confused, since there are so many docking stations out there, and I could not possibly buy something he would think is inferior. Any advice would be appreciated. Specs you may need:

Onkyo Receiver (TX-NR905 bought last year)
Some ridiculously expensive speakers that sound the same to me as the ones you buy at Best Buy (but don't tell him that)

Additionally, I have read some reviews on docking stations, and it seems they require better cabling than the ones that come with it, so any additional cabling that might be suggested or required is really helpful!

Thank you for helping the non-audiophile!
kzb
Guys - the Wadia is only good if it's attached to a good DAC. It doesn't have a DAC built in. She needs to determine if he already has a DAC, and if not, he'll have to get one. Maybe that's why it's the perfect present, cuz he can go shopping too!
Are you confident he'll like an iPod? I don't mean to sound smug or put a damper on your plans, but I (me, not saying your husband) would not accept one if it were given to me for free. In fact, I won a nice one a while back and sold it to buy some CDs and music DVDs. I dislike their sound. You are obviously a dear wife to make such an effort and give such a thoughtful gift, but you may wish to feel him out for using such a device. I know only a few audiophiles personally and we all feel the same. Perhaps this is just a coincidence. Perhaps you already know he would like one so this post does not apply. I just wanted to warn you that SOME audiophiles do not care for iPods and I'd hate to see you expend more effort and $$$ chasing a gift he may not really like. Just trying to help.
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.
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