jk1002: Honestly, connecting an Ipod doe snot give you great sound. You might be disappointed, but try, you need the cable anyhow.
That is propably because of the sub-par headphone amp in the iPod or because of low bitrate, or both.
Using the line out, either via a dock or via a "pocketdock" from Sendstation would do the exact same as the Airport Express - namely giving you a proper line out, not an amplified headphone amp.
Oh, I forgot:
Merry Christmas!