The Best Way To Connect An iPod To A Home Stereo

The advent of mp3's and other digital audio has made the mp3 player a staple of any home soundsystem, but what is the best way to connect an iPod to a home stereo? You could invest in a compact stereo with an on-board iPod dock to charge the iPod as it's playing, but there is a simpler option that can connect your iPod without needing to upgrade your stereo or purchase new devices to clutter your living room. Listen to thousands of mp3's from your iPod in a matter of seconds with an auxiliary port and a simple cable available at most electronics retailers.

1. RCA-to-1/8" conversion cable. The auxiliary input on most home stereos uses an RCA setup. These ports—found on many modern television sets, as well—are typically color-coded holes split into left and right channels for stereo sound. In most instances, the white cable/input represents the left channel and the red represents the right channel. An iPod, however, uses an 1/8" output, which is the standard for many modern headphone jacks (unlike the larger 1/4" jack for professional headphone models). In order to connect your iPod to an RCA input, you will need an RCA-to-1/8" conversion cable. Such cables can be purchased for $20 at most electronics retailers or department stores like Target and Wal Mart. You can also find these cables online for under $10, depending on the length of the cable. When purchasing a cable, be sure to keep in mind an appropriate length for your setup. If your iPod is simply going to rest on the stereo, a 20-ft. cable is going to create a mass of unnecessary clutter around your stereo. Once you've selected a cable, connect your iPod to the auxiliary input of your home stereo. Now you're ready to listen to high-quality mp3's through your professional soundsystem.