Top Gift Ideas for Dads and Grads

Robert is a highly respected industry veteran whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for many years. As he states in the preface: “This book is for anyone who enjoys music. It is about enriching our lives through the joy of high-quality music reproduction in the home.” His passion for music is evident throughout the book as he discusses everything from how to become a better listener, how to get the best sound from your room and a detailed look at the components that make a good audio system. His knowledge has helped me grasp some of the concepts, products and technologies that makes home audio so enjoyable. The book is still in print and I highly recommend it.

The Sony iPod Dock and Clock Radio features dual alarms to wake to iPod music, radio or buzzer, a digital AM/FM tuner, two stereo speakers and a wireless remote control. When docked, the Sony system charges the iPod. It has automatic time set and an audio input to connect other portable players.

The Bose SoundDock Series II is compatible with the Apple iPod and iPhone. New features have been added, such as an auxiliary input jack for adding a CD or DVD player or an MP3 player. The supplied remote control operates power, volume and lets you browse the playlist on your iPod.

The Sennheiser HD-210 headphones are ideal for music lovers. The ear cup design prevents external noise from interfering with listening. Sennheiser is a leading name in headphones and this model is a good choice for a home stereo, iPod or gamer.

Harman Kardon is a legendary name in the stereo and home theater business. The Harman Kardon HK 3490 has most of the features I’d look for in a stereo receiver, plus a few extras: An input for the Harman Kardon Bridge II docking station for a compatible Apple iPod, or iPod Touch, and it is XM Satellite Radio Ready when used with an optional XM tuner. Priced at $499 the Harman Kardon HK 3490 stereo receiver offers great audio performance and plenty of useful features. Despite the lack of a learning or universal remote control, its sound quality makes it easy for me to recommend the HK 3490 for a main stereo system or as a bedroom, dorm room or second audio system. Read my full review of the Harman-Kardon HK 3490 receiver.

I may be slightly biased, but my first reaction when listening to the Paradigm Titan V.6 Monitor Series speakers was Paradigm has produced another winner. I say slightly biased because I own Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.2 tower speakers as one of my reference speaker systems. The Paradigm Titan Monitors have many of the sound characteristics I appreciate in my Paradigm Monitors, even though the Studio 100s are floorstanding towers and far more expensive than the Titans. This makes the Titan Monitors an outstanding value. Their full bass response, open midrange and detailed high frequency response are an impressive accomplishment for $298 apiece.