What are receivers requirements to be a good iPod or MP3 amp?

[RaT]

Yamaha is building (as well as others) some of their receivers with iPod capability and MP3 compressed music enhancement. Is this a gimmick or is it a real benefit for those of us who fall into this category of music storage/playback? I ask because I was looking at the Emotiva sound processor and it mentions neither.

 

[avaserfi]

Most all receivers have iPod capability the question is the extent to which the capability extends. Some receivers have a dock where you can control the iPod via remote or you could do what I do and get an headphone to analog cable and plug it into your receiver. I just have to control the play options via ipod.

As for most music enchancement I dont use mp3s, they are just too lossy .wma or the macs version of the same, flac, are losseless. Most of the time I would say music enchancement is not the greatest anways, why would you want to change the music from its oringal recording anyways.

 

[Lady Phoenix]

Are you interested in hooking up an iPod, or do you have your MP3's stored on a computer or other device?

 

[RaT]

Are you interested in hooking up an iPod, or do you have your MP3's stored on a computer or other device?

I have all my music stored on my computer. I simply cannot detect a bit of difference from my MP3 at minimum compression (maximum memory) and from the original CD. Either my equipment is not good enough to make the difference show up, my ears are shot or there is not enough difference for my ears to discern. In any case, it works really well for me. I do tend to agree that most music enhancement technology does little to enhance, at least again, as I am able to discern. I figured the line level output on something like an iPod needs special amplification, not to the extent of a phono cartridge, but maybe more then a CD, tape etc. The iPod hookup would be strictly for my wife. I don't really use one much.

 

[markw]

No magical properties.

All it takes is a line level input, no different than one you would plug a CD, tuner or tape recorder into.

As you note, a phono is a different animal.

 

[RaT]

All it takes is a line level input, no different than one you would plug a CD, tuner or tape recorder into.

As you note, a phono is a different animal.

Thanks, I suspected such was the case.