Cambridge Audio makes some smart components that will marry well with your "ideal" 2 channel system driven by an iPod. I would get their simple integrated amp, a 540 or 640 Azur, and get their Magic DAC and a Wadia 170 iPod Doc. There is a good review of these components in the Absolute Sound 2008 Buyers Guide and in Tone Magazine, available online through their website.
Other options are as follows:
I would also look at the Rotel integrated receiver, which gives you all the bells and whistles of a solid state 100 watt amp with a wonderful tuner thrown in.You could add the Magic DAC and Wadia 170.
From an amplification perspective, I would also audition:
iTube Fatman: a simple tube based system out of the UK with a built in iPod dock. These mate well with efficient speakers.
B & W Zeppelin: the best and most serious iPod all in one docking station with terrific nearfield quality.
PS: There are a number of speakers I would marry the above amps to. I would try to audition the new DALI Lector 2.0s, B & W 685s, or Paradigm Studio 20s (check out skiing ninjas of Colorado--they hot rod these).
Other options are as follows:
I would also look at the Rotel integrated receiver, which gives you all the bells and whistles of a solid state 100 watt amp with a wonderful tuner thrown in.You could add the Magic DAC and Wadia 170.
From an amplification perspective, I would also audition:
iTube Fatman: a simple tube based system out of the UK with a built in iPod dock. These mate well with efficient speakers.
B & W Zeppelin: the best and most serious iPod all in one docking station with terrific nearfield quality.
PS: There are a number of speakers I would marry the above amps to. I would try to audition the new DALI Lector 2.0s, B & W 685s, or Paradigm Studio 20s (check out skiing ninjas of Colorado--they hot rod these).