Connecting my iPod to the 990

Has anyone tried connecting an iPod to the 990? Can it be done? If so, how did you configure the inputs. How does is sound?

I did it a couple years ago with an iPod Nano, using a simple mini-plug to stereo RCA cable that I hooked to a spare stereo analog input. If I remember correctly, I turned the volume up to around 90% or so of maximum. As for the sound, it's clearly lossy compression via the headphone jack's mediocre DAC - but it worked fine for background music during some event we had going on at the time. Audio performance may be better using a docking port, especially if it allows a digital audio output so that you can rely on the 990's DAC.

I have a third gen 30 gig Ipod hooked up to my 990 thru a docking station via an RCA Y cable hooked up analog to AUX stereo inputs. Only problem is I cannot label that particular input so it reads AUX on the 990. I tried hooking the iPod directly but it works much better with the docking unit.

All my songs on the iPod were recorded off CD at at least 224k and though it is not CD quality, reference listening quality it is quite good for listening while working around the house, reading or when I have a group of people over. It is a nice addition to my system.

The v3.11 firmware allows you to edit the input name for AUX, TAPE, and CD inputs. Only tuner, phono, and 7.1 direct are still not editable.

I used the Apple Universal Docking Station for my wives IPod. Like Gonk says, I labeled both my Harmony 890 and the 990 input "Karen's IPod".

Just so I'm on the same page before spending the $'s, is this what we're talking about.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/We...&nplm=TN983LL/A

This will, of course work. However, considering the sound quality out of the headphone jack of an Ipod, that quality of cable is probably overkill.

This is not what Hullguy is talking about, though, as he's getting the signal from the docking connector instead. I haven't seen a way to get the raw bitstream out of the Ipod to use the DACs in the 990, though.

Yeah gonk I know about the upgrade, have just been lazy about getting it done.

I definitely agree with mahansm that cable is way over doing it. Go bluejeans cable or even a Radio Shack Y cable. I did see a dock from Wadia:
Wadia iPod Dock

that bypasses the iPod DAC but a bit expensive for me at $349.

So that is the correct cable, I just don't need one that expensive? Sounds good to me. Always like to save money.

I used a radio shack cable when I did it - it was already lying around, but probably cost no more than $5 or $6. No need to spend $30 on something from Monster.

AGREED! I'm not a big fan of Monster either. :-) tks guys.

I have a dock connected to my 990 and labeled 'iPhone' which I use for both my iPhone and 3rd generation iPod. I use the standard iPod dock which has a 1/8" line output jack on the back, connected to the 990 via 1/8" <> RCA cable. The line output from the iPod is actually quite good IMHO. If you're dealing with high bitrate MP3s, Apple lossless encoded files, or original WAVs, the iPod becomes a pretty impressive little source device.

- Jason

Here is a pic of my rack with the iPod hooked up.

I've heard this before, and as I understand it the key is to bypass the headphone output and go straight to the line output - which is done only via a dock.

Just to clarify, it's using the dock connector that's important. This can actually be done without a physical dock with some aftermarket cables. ie:
http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-35507-Connector-Cable/dp/B000JG3WBY
http://www.virtualvillage.com/Items/006004-019

That could be useful if you're looking to accomplish a line output for use with a portable headphone amp, in-car use, etc. The dock is a pretty nice accessory at home.

- Jason

I have been using the cable mentioned in the previous post and it sounds great.

There is a lot of information out there about the flaws in the iPod dock.

I will say that the shipping on the item from amazon took a very long time due to low stock.

I have that Monster cable (it was a gift -it's actually coming apart at one of the RCA ends)...I'm sure it works 99% the same as the competition. The method of connection (headphone jack), as others have mentioned, is not very good in my opinion. You basically have to decide on whether or not you want to use the headphone out or the line out.

Like others have mentioned, you really only have 2 choices:
1) Monster like Y cable mentioned above
2) iPod Dock mentioned above (though there are plenty of reports of the line out audio quality not being good on some of these docks so be sure to do your homework)

I would definitely pick a good dock with true line out audio.

I stream music from my laptop using an Airport Express : http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/We...&nplm=M9470LL/A

Cheers.