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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
markphd
667 posts
 
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?
joeylawn36111
574 posts
 

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! ;)
peter_s
1,335 posts
 
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!
rockadanny
1,224 posts
 
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.
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Peter_s - his Onkyo receiver has a DAC.
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