Audio Systems: iPod and Speaker Connection, mini stereo systems, radio cassette player

Question
Hi, I just got an ipod and wanted to connect it to my stereo at home but the RCA inputs are occupied by the speaker wires. A standard Y cable obviously wont work. They only work with mini stereo systems. Is there a way to split the connection? Are there any splitters or adapters I can use? Or am I out of luck?


Answer
FYI - there is a vast difference between inputs and outputs. Your speakers are output devices that are driven (or powered) by your amplifier (stereo). The iPod is a source device (similar to CD player, radio, cassette player). It is an input device which plugs into the input of an amplifier (stereo).

Having said that if you have RCA plugs on your stereo (unless the stereo is very old) they will generally be for a source and that's where your iPod comes in. If you only have one input, then using an adaptor cable that you can buy from Radio Shack (3 conductor mini plug to two RCA plugs) connect the iPod to the input of your stereo.

If you only have one input and want to use more than one source then buy an input switch from Radio Shack. Neither of these devices are costly.

You can also tell me the make and model of your stereo and I can confirm that in fact this will be the case.