Onkyo continues to make its product iPod-compatible by releasing the CR-D1 CD/FM tuner amplifier with built-in iPod dock. The CR-D1 comes with DS-A1 dock option, which allows the system to connect and control the iPod via remote control. With the D-DIE 2-way speaker, optional UWL-1 module and a USB dongle, PC tracks can easily be transmitted. Connectivity isn't a problem with 1 x optical, 3 x RCA, stereo mini-jack inputs, subwoofer and headphone outputs.

The CR-D1 will be available in Japan on July 15 for 52,500 Yen ($456) and the D-DIE 2-way speaker costs $27,300 ($237).

 

Okay, I'll come clean and admit that I'm no audiophile. The world of tweaking top-quality output from sound systems is way above my financial means and completely over my head. I listen to most of my music on the move via headphones (where outside noise renders quality a moot point), or in dirty nightclubs (where a kind engineer worries about that sort of thing on my behalf). Still, this doesn't stop me being amazed at the effort and funds some people are prepared to put towards the ultimate listening experience. You've just got to respect that level of dedication.

Red Wine Audio of Massachusetts are offering a modification service for 4th generation iPods to vastly improve their output quality. It doesn't come cheap, but hey - nothing in audiophile world ever does.

Red Wine Audio feel that there are several points along the 4th generation iPod's signal path which are causing degradation, including cheap connector parts, thin pathways along circuit boards, and the signal path being too close to resistors and capacitors. For 199 dollars, they will crack open your iPod and do their level best to fix these issues. They will;

"significantly minimize the analog signal path that follows the output of the internal Wolfson dac chip. Using D.H. Labs silver wire, we take the analog output (line out) off of the dac chip and send it directly to the internal 1/8" headphone jack (converting it into a dedicated line-out jack) via high-end Black Gate Non-Polarized NX HiQ coupling capacitors."

This basically gives you an iPod pushing out a stronger, cleaner signal. It converts your output from a headphone jack to a line-out (meaning it is without it's own amplification) - so your iPod is now a source to connect up to an amplifier or dedicated headphone amplifier. If you want to retain your headphone jack, Red Wine Audio can drill a small hole in the back of your iPod and leave you with a line-out via a protruding cable.

Of course, that's not the end of the expense if you want to do things properly. Red Wine Audio recommend that you go for a 139 dollar cable to connect your newly-enhanced iPod to your amplifier.

The new iPod AV connection kit allows you to bring your music, photos, and video library into your living room. The kit includes everything you need to connect your iPod to your home stereo or television so you can share your favorite tunes, snapshots and movies with family and friends. Compatible with all iPod models with Dock connector.

Here is what you get for $99.00

iPod AV Cable

On one end, the iPod AV Cable connects to the headphone port of the iPod or the line-out port on the iPod Universal Dock. On the other end, it connects to the left/right stereo input jacks on a stereo, powered speakers or TV and the composite video input on a TV or monitor.

Universal Dock

The iPod Universal Dock serves as a convenient and elegant home base. It features an infrared port for the Apple Remote. And it works with all iPod models that have a dock connector through the use of interchangeable inserts called Dock Adapters.

Dock Adapters

These adapters snap into the Universal Dock to provide a snug fit for any iPod with a Dock connector. This package includes adapters for five iPods: iPod mini; iPod with click wheel (20GB, 40GB/U2 Special Edition); iPod with color display (20GB/30GB/U2 Special Edition, 40GB/60GB). New iPods already include adapters for that model, and other adapters are available separately.

Apple Remote

The Apple Remote combines with the Universal Dock to let you experience your iPod from across the room. When used with the iPod, the Apple Remote offers play/pause, volume control and forward/back buttons. (Note: Menu button is inactive when used to control iPod.)

USB Power Adapter

Use this convenient USB based adapter to charge your iPod. Simply plug the adapter into a wall outlet and connect to your iPod for recharging.

Dock connector to USB cable

This cable connects to the iPod USB Power Adapter to deliver a continuous charge.

[Via, ilounge]

Source: Engadget

Soon every object you own will have some sort of iPod compatibility function. You can already connect and control Apple's MP3 player to alarm clocks, coats and even cooler bags. But Denon's new S-101 home cinema system is a far more practical and polished 'Pod-loving piece of kit.The S-101 comprises of a fully kitted out progressive scan DVD player, a pair of funky flat speakers and a denture-dislodging 100W sub. All good. But its killer feature is how overtly amorous it is towards iPod.

First off, it connects with every member of the iPod family except for the shuffle via the iPod's dock connector, bypassing the headphone socket in order to kick out the finest quality sound. Once hooked up, you can completely control your iPod using the Denon remote hanset. That's only the half of it. See, the S-101 displays a virtual iPod on your telly that displays all your track listings and even the iPod controls. Then there's the fact that you can use it to view snaps that you've got stored on it. Oh, and it charges the bleedin' thing too.

Scosche products have begun selling their Bluetooth iPod Car Transmitter and Receiver Kit. This transmitter enables streaming audio from your iPod or mp3 player to your car or home receiver. Connecting to the headphone output connector, it transmits to a Bluetooth receiver connected to the supplementary input of your car?s head unit or home audio system.

The car kits differ based on the cradle (#IPBCK for the iPod and #UBCK for MP3 players). The iPod interface works with all 3G and 4G iPods and iPod minis, while the MP3 player interface works with any MP3 players with headphone jacks (all of them). Both function with aftermarket head units and RCA inputs. The iPod and MP3 player car kits sell for $249.99 each.

Source: iPodhacks

Are you looking for both a colorful protective enclosure for your iPod shuffle as well as a way to end chaotic headphone cable clutter? If so, the Makrolon iPod Shuffle Case for the iPod shuffle may be the answer to your prayers. Crafted from translucent acrylic, Makrolon's case features a cable spool that, while adding size to the unit, keeps your earbud cables in order. Priced at around $25 USD, the shuffle case is available in dayglow yellow, pink, green, and clear.

Innovators of the DLO TransPod and other exciting accessories for the iPod, today announced the DLO mini Fling fashion cases for iPod mini. The mini Flings, DLO?s first iPod cases designed specifically for women, embrace today?s fashion trends and styles. The mini flings? material and color choices are a perfect match for any mini. Styles range from metallic pink, psychedelic green and even a crocodile blue.

The cases also feature a removable wristlet with charm, an elastic loop for headphone or lipstick storage and even a flip-up cosmetic mirror. The DLO mini fling cases are being previewed at Macworld Expo Boston (DLO Booth #329) this week, and will begin shipping in late July.

For those of you who don?t already know, Belkin will start selling TuneTalk for the iPod. This nifty little device allows you to record audio into your iPod 3G, 4G and photo iPod. It will begin shipping later this month. Features include:

• High-Quality Omnidirectional Microphone
• iPod Remote/Headphone Connector: attaches securely to your iPod
• Recording Indicator LED: shows recording status
• Foam Microphone Cover: helps to reduce wind noise
• Innovative Flexible Design: features flexible neck for directional recording
• No software to install?support is already built into the iPod