AVR's and Ipod connectivity

[upgradeitis]

I'm thinking about purchasing an ipod and I'm a little confused about connecting one to a home theater receiver. I do realize there are certain models like HK, Onkyo, and Yamaha that advertise ipod compatibility. I think the HK version is called "The Bridge." My question is what if the receiver specs make no mention of ipod connectivity? Does the HK for instance, have a special input on the receiver that other receivers don't? So, if I wanted to go with a Marantz that makes no mention of ipod compatibility would I not be able to use the ipod with it at all? I'm totally confused about this. I would like to be not limited to certain receivers to be able to use my ipod. Please help me with this! Thanks

 

[MDS]

You can connect an iPod to ANY receiver. You can use any analog input on the receiver - CD, Aux, Tape, the audio portion of Video 1, 2, 3 etc.

Receivers that advertise 'iPod compatibility' simply offer additional features such as the ability to scroll the name of the song on the display and the ability to control the iPod functions with the remote that comes with the receiver. Most music/HT enthusiasts will have a universal remote anyway so I feel that is no big 'feature' at all.

I am very familiar with Onkyo products as that is what I have always owned. Onkyo's dock provides some addtional features that you may or may not find useful and I'm sure some of the brands offer something similar. For example, the Onkyo doc utilizes their RI (Remote Interactive) feature. If you turn on the iPod, the receiver will automatically turn on and change the input to the one where the iPod is connected. If you then turn off the iPod, the receiver will automatically go into standby mode. RI provides those features and others for other components too. So in some sense it is a nice convenience feature but one you can easily do without.

iPod compatibility may be a nice feature to have but is certainly not a necessity. I would pick a receiver based on other factors such as power, ease of use, and price point because you can connect an iPod to any of them - you would just be lacking the so-called convenience features if it is not 'iPod compatible'.

 

[mike c]

the yamaha receiver that advertises ipod connectivity has a special port that you can connect the ipod universal dock. (you have to buy this dock too)
if connected that way, I believe you can control the ipod using the receiver remote, and have the ipod display through your TV. (ipod video even)

but if all you want is the music, you can get simple RCA's to connect to ANY receiver. [getting a converter from earphone jack to left and right RCA]


edit: oops didnt see MDS's reply ...

 

[upgradeitis]

Thanks for the replies. You guys gave me some good info. I think the Onkyo or the HK may actually be worth looking into because I would like to be able to see the song title and artist displays. It doesn't have to be on the TV but at least on the receiver front panel would be good. I would like to know what I'm listening to which seems would be impossible from the seating position relative to how small the ipod display is. To be able to control the ipod from the receiver remote would be a big plus also. I really like the sound of Marantz receivers and I found this http://us.marantz.com/Products/1842.asp product on their website. Seems a bit pricey though doesn't it? The HK and Onkyo docks are much less expensive. Decisions, decisions

 

[upgradeitis]

Any other thoughts?

 

[masak_aer]

HK AVR 240 has Ipod connection using the the "bridge" and it's not that pricey anyway.

 

[upgradeitis]

Thanks for your response. I do realize(as indicated in my original post) that the AVR 240 has The Bridge. I was asking if i could use my ipod with other receivers that don't advertise ipod compatibility. But I understand now that I can connect the ipod to any receiver but the ones like the HK and Yamaha give the convenience of being able to control the ipod from the receiver remote and being able to see the artists/songs on the AVR/TV. I really do like the sound of Marantz receivers for music so I'm thinking of going with one of those and getting their ipod dock(even though it is more expensive than others)

 

[gellor]

There are other options as well. Check out the DLO Home Docks. (I've seen them at amazon, and lots of bricks & mortar stores)

They will allow you to view onscreen info on your TV, up to and including video and pictures.

 

[upgradeitis]

Thanks gellor. I'll check them out

 

[WorldLeader]

There was a user-reveiw of Yamaha's up-converting of the iPods sound quality, he seemed very positive about it. I have an Apple dock that came with my iPod, and use a Y cable to connect it to the CD input of my stereo receiver. It sounds great and works fine, but may not be the best option given the current price of docks and cables.

If you really want to be hardcore, get an airport express or squeezebox and go wireless!

 

[upgradeitis]

Worldleader, I've seen the Squeezebox mentioned before. How exactly does it work and is it much more expensive relative to the ipod?

 

[MDS]

Squeezebox

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_squeezebox.html

 

[upgradeitis]

Thanks for the info MDS