Need Expert Help for a Gift

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.

Peter_s - his Onkyo receiver has a DAC.

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.

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!

By the way, out of curiosity, how much do you think speakers cost before they become ridiculously expensive?

Ha! - the "other side" won't give out that information! ;)

The Wadia ia a great unit that will be met with an audiophile's approval. In fact, I think he will be very impressed that you sourced out such a brand for him. Don't let him forget it because unless he's a cad, there should be a nice gift for you in the future because of it.

Of course, the danger of this is that he will want to upgrade his receiver to meet the standards of the Wadia and his ridiculously expensive speakers. By the way, out of curiosity, how much do you think speakers cost before they become ridiculously expensive?

As an audiophile, he would be thrilled with the Wadia.
If you make a purchase, tell the retailer it's a gift and ask if there's a return policy, just in case...
The Wadia is about $300 and any audio fool would be tickled to have one. Especially from his loving wife!
Please make friends with my wife. Please!

It appears that the silver model is out-of-stock at Crutchfield. They do have black. If this is okay, use them - they are great to deal with and have free shipping.

If you want silver, order here:

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/82178?gclid=CKvcl-DN3ZoCFR0SagodHm7P3A

They are good to deal with also.

This is supposed to be the best one out there:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_727170I/Wadia-170iTransport-Silver.html?tp=238

It comes with a digital cable to run to the Onkyo. I would just go with that. If your husband wants a better cable, he will likely have a favorite, so it is unwise to try to guess.

Good luck.

Hello Dear!

That is awfully sweet of you to buy me an IPOD nano. But I have a Denon receiver. Oh wait, you might not be my wife!

That whole "Some ridiculously expensive speakers that sound the same to me as the ones you buy at Best Buy (but don't tell him that)" line sounds really, really familiar.
;-)

(Your husband is a lucky man to have a wife who indulges him in his hobby! Good Luck to you!)

PS Sorry I can't help with the IPOD docking station, but being "an old fogey" audiophile, I am not into IPODs!