Ipod and Home Theatre

[Tha_Doggg]

Hi,
I would like to know how to get the best possible sound when connecting my Ipod to my Home Theatre. I have found several options online and I would like some advice on them.

1. Connect ipod through 3.5mm jack and RCA cable to receiver.
2. Connect ipod through bottom jack (30 pin) cable.
3. Connect ipod through USB cable to xbox 360 (xbox 360 is already plugged into receiver).

Could someone give me some advice? Should I buy a cable of some sort to connect the ipod directly (and which type will provide the best sound) or have it through the xbox 360?

[fitbrit]

Hi,
I would like to know how to get the best possible sound when connecting my Ipod to my Home Theatre. I have found several options online and I would like some advice on them.

1. Connect ipod through 3.5mm jack and RCA cable to receiver.
2. Connect ipod through bottom jack (30 pin) cable.
3. Connect ipod through USB cable to xbox 360 (xbox 360 is already plugged into receiver).

Could someone give me some advice? Should I buy a cable of some sort to connect the ipod directly (and which type will provide the best sound) or have it through the xbox 360?

The best would be to connect through the 30 pin dock connector. If you have a dock, you can then use the line-out from the dock.

[Tha_Doggg]

The best would be to connect through the 30 pin dock connector. If you have a dock, you can then use the line-out from the dock.

What about going through the 360? Any noticeable difference?

[fitbrit]

What about going through the 360? Any noticeable difference?

I don't have one so I couldn't comment. I'd ideally keep the number of components in an analog chain to as few as possible. Not sure there'd be a noticeable difference either way. Try going through your X360, and if it sounds good enough to you, then it's.... good enough.

[mlc2000]

If your receiver has an Ipod dock, thats the best scenario.

My Yamaha does and it also has a 7 channel Music enhancer,
designed to make MP3's sound better, across all 7 channels.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ZF5AKVW1L._SS500_.jpg

[ott_wrench]

The 30 pin connector would definitely give you the best signal since it's line level.

The biggest variable to the sound quality will be the bit rate used to encode the mp3 files.

One thing many people don't realize is that the iPod supports lossless formats like .aif and .wav so you can play bit-for-bit copies of cd audio. Many audiophiles prefer this to actual cd's claiming there is less distortion since they remove the cd rotation from the equation.

The biggest drawback is the file size required as a typical lossless file is 10 to 12 times larger than an mp3.

You can also use Apple's lossless codec (ALAC). This is based on the FLAC codec and typically cuts the file size by about 50%.

If you have an XBox 360, you could use XBMC to play music directly from you iTunes or other music library assuming the XBox is networked.

The quality should be as good as a direct connection to the iPod.

Cheers

[Vtecyoguy]

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, but I need to find a product like the above mentioned.
What I want, is something to go from the 30 pin, to a pair of RCA cables, to connect to my receiver.
All I've found so far is this:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3321488&CatId=2574
Problems I have with it:
It has a video pin, which is completely unnecessary, and I'm paying for something I don't need.
It seems to be really poor quality.

Ideally, I'd like a high-end audio only type cable, as it is being connected to some pretty good equipment (Rotel receiver). I looked at the one in the apple store, but it seems like it won't support my iPod (30gb Video), and it doesn't look to be too great quality either. They do have a nice 3.5mm to RCA Audio Monster cable, but I want a 30pin end instead of the 3.5mm.
Anyone know where I could get this?

[Vtecyoguy]

BUMP, no one has an answer to this??

[CalgaryRunner]

I use a dock and a stereo 3.5mm to RCA cable but if you really want to have a single component solution, there's the Nyko Stereo Link (http://www.nyko.com/nyko/products/?i=44).

http://www.nyko.com/img/nyko/products/thumbs/StereoLinkiPod.jpg

[spider]

My setup is alittle different.

Squeezebox Duet receiver (audiophile quality)

Like this one http://www.staples.ca/ENG/images/products/ca761078_1_std.jpg
http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=761078&affixedcode=WW

This is then connected to my my receiver via analog out / digital is an option.
(bit-perfect)

All the controll is done using Ipod Touch via Ipeng. It gives me tons of internet radio for free. Streams all my collection of flac,mp3,itunes all formats supported using wired or wireless .

Setup uses the ipod touch interface as a remote control for your digital archive. I can walk around the entire house while selecting songs ,controling volume and viewing artwork .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEs4GFqdBx4


__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________________________


Here is another setup with dedecated ipod docking.

http://www.planetofsoundonline.com/newhifi/project/dockbox.jpg


Dock Box iPod Dock

Add an iPod dock to your system with the Pro-Ject Dock Box. No degradation of sound quality because it completely bypasses the iPod's headphone output. Add to the Pre Box & Amp Box for an audiophile micro system!
Outputs a bit-perfect digital stream via USB
Metal case shields the electronics from vibrational and electromagnetic interference
Gold plated RCA connection sockets
Outboard power supply included
Supports iPods® with 30-pole connector
Remote control of the iPod® volume (incl. mute), play functions (incl. repeat and shuffle) and menu navigation.
Charges internal battery of your iPod®
Price: $169.

http://www.planetofsoundonline.com/newhifi/project/index.html

good luck


.

[bembol]

I agree using the Dock is the best option but it's also the most expensive. Using your XBOX 360 is just too much trouble and can shorten it's Life. :twisted:

At the end, I just use my 3.5mm to RCA. They are MonsterCable so I know I'm getting High Quality here. LOL :twisted:

[ThePope]

I'm using the Airport Express w/itunes, it sounds great, I also have my Playstation 2 connected to it.

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/airtunes.html

[betamaxman]

The absolute best dock there is.
http://www.dlo.com/products/homedoc_dx_Prod.tpl