what's the best way to connect an ipod to a high quality sound system
that must be fairly portable?  what are best components to use?

From Apple Computer's web site:

"Question 23: Can I connect iPod to my home stereo?
Answer: Yes. Third-party stereo adapters are available for listening
to your iPod music library using home stereo speakers. Compatible
devices must be self-powered and support audio output through a 3.5 mm
headphone jack. For optimal sound quality when using external
speakers, set the iPod volume at less than half the maximum output and
adjust your listening volume through your stereo controls. This
prevents overamplification, which can cause distortion and reduced
audio quality."
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60920#faq23

Several third-party products are available. If you want to attach your
iPod to a sound system that has basic RCA jacks, Griffen Technology's
ClearChoice iPod Connection Kit will probably be your best bet. The
adapters can even be used to connect the  iPod directly to certain
brands of portable speakers. For more information, visit:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/audio/adaptor_cables.html

For the ultimate in iPod connectivity, a company called Dr. Bott
offers mini cables, mini-to-RCA cables, cassette adapters, and even a
system to transmit wirelessly from your iPod to an unused FM channel
on your radio.
For the kit with the cassette adapter:
http://www.drbott.com/prod/action.lasso?-database=Products&-layout=All&publish=Yes&-response=retailH.html&-op=begins+with&Code=0143&-maxRecords=20&-search=Start+Search

For the kid with the FM transmitter:
http://www.drbott.com/prod/action.lasso?-database=Products&-layout=all&-response=detail.html&Code=0142-IPCK&Publish=Yes&-search

MacUser UK offers this review of the Dr. Bott kit:
http://www.macuser.co.uk/soham/php3/openframe.php3?page=http://www.macuser.co.uk/soham/printreview.php3?id=36050
Another FM transmitting system called the irock! 300W Wireless Music
Adaptor is also available, for more information visit:
http://www.myirock.com/players/irock300w.htm

Here is a review from someone who tested the irock! system with an
iPod:
http://www.ipodlounge.com/ar0003_011231.asp

The iPod lounge [ http://www.ipodlounge.com/default.asp ] offers a lot
of good information about iPod accessories. They also have a
discussion board where many users have discussed the advantages and
disadvantages of various
accessories:http://www.xsorbit1.com/users/dennx/index.cgi?board=ipodgear

search terms: ipod connection
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&q=ipod+connection&btnG=Google+Search

I hope this helps. Good luck.

That seems to be a thorough answer. Wonder why you only gave it three stars?