Connecting iPod and Laptop to Hi-Fi

[Samuel Bebbington]

Whats the best way to connect my iPod and Laptop to my Hi-Fi?

I currently use a JVC 3.5mm - 2 Phono, but there must be better ones out there... any recommendations?

Thanks

 

[iMark]

The best and most expensive way for your iPod: get a digital dock (a dock that bypasses the iPod's internal DAC) and connect it to an external DAC (could also be an AV-amp with digital in).

Another option is a better cable from the iPod to the HiFi.

If your PC has digital out connect it to a DAC. You could also try to connect through USB to DAC if your PC doesn't have digital out or install a different soundcard. Another idea is to stream your music wirelessly with a device like an Airport express. The Airport Express has a DAC but can be greatly improved by using an external DAC.

An optical connection has a great advantage over any other links: it completely isolates the computer from the stereo and you will never have any problems with groundloop hum when the laptop is connected to the mains.

 

[Samuel Bebbington]

Thats great thank you.

If I did just want to get a decent 3.5mm - 2 Ph (for around £30-40) what would anyone recommend?

 

[richardw42]

Something like the Chord iChord ??????? (in the 40-50 range).

http://whathifi.com/Review/Chord-Company-iChord/

Have you considered something like the QED uplay ?

http://whathifi.com/Review/QED-U-Play-Bluetooth-receiver/

I've used the Uplay and its a great little device

 

[Anonymous]

I have just ordered a Pure i20, sounds like a great device.

http://www.pure.com/products/product.asp?Product=VL-61429&Category=

 

[robjcooper]

For a cable choice, there's always the QED J2P - got a 5 star review on this very site

http://whathifi.com/Review/QED-J2P/

 

[Anonymous]

robjcooper:

For a cable choice, there's always the QED J2P - got a 5 star review on this very site

http://whathifi.com/Review/QED-J2P/

That's simply getting the best out of the iPod's DAC, better still to avoid the iPod's DAC altogether hence the Pure i20 and it only costs £25 more.

 

[fayeanddavid]

richardw42:
Something like the Chord iChord ??????? (in the 40-50 range).

http://whathifi.com/Review/Chord-Company-iChord/

Have you considered something like the QED uplay ?

http://whathifi.com/Review/QED-U-Play-Bluetooth-receiver/

I've used the Uplay and its a great little device

Richard

So how good is the uPlay and how have you connected up to your system?

Posted an ask on the uPlay a while ago and had no takers, very interested if you could post a review

Thanks

 

[robjcooper]

Childs,

Earlier in the thread, Samuel asked:
Samuel Bebbington:
Thats great thank you.

If I did just want to get a decent 3.5mm - 2 Ph (for around £30-40) what would anyone recommend?

hence my reply to his request.

 

[Anonymous]

robjcooper:

hence my reply to his request.

Fair enough though it is worth pointing out that you can achieve a lot more for only another 25 quid.

 

[richardw42]

Hi fayeanddavid

Haven't been on for a few days but the uPlay is a fantastic item. Even in 2011 its quite novel when an item turns out to be as simple as advertised.

Firstly connections : You'll need a spare plug socket, it will connect into your system either using a 3.5mm line-in or with a pair of RCAs (supplied in box).

I just had it going into one of the aux inputs on my MF amp.

I've used mine with an Ipod Touch, Iphone 3GS & ipad, but I understand it should work with pretty much anything that has bluetooth. When connecting to iphone I just search for the device on my phone BT settings and connect, the name's is on the list as QED uPlay (there's a button on the side of the uplay incase you need to wake it up for connection).

Once connected it quite simply routes any sounds from your iphone etc to through your amo. I was listening (using my iphone or ipad) to itunes, internet radio, spotify etc, etc and all from the comfort of my chair. It was almost like a budget version of Sooloos

. I really can't recommentd it enough.

I've disconnected it for the moment as I upgraded to a Sonos system,but will hang onto it as I know it'll probably see action in the future.