Hifi with either HD or Ipod functionality??
 

We're looking for a hifi but need to be able to play mp3s cos I sold all my CDs years ago.

Are there any (cheap ish) micro/midi systems on the market which either have a built in hard drive, or an Ipod connection/real functionality (allowing me to tuck the ipod behind the hifi out of sight) ??

I seem to remember reading about one in What Hifi, but that was around £500...

Ideally need 40GB with a HD..

Thanks,

James

Not sure if this is the sort of thing but check out SlimDevices.com or Roku SoundBridge then hook it up to a decent HiFi (eBay maybe) WiFi should be OK to connect it up too.

This solution is extensible, in as much as disk size and number of players can be modified to suit at little cost. The other advantage being that all your MP3's are in a single location.

We have dedicated an older workstation with some nice big disks specifically for photos, Video and Music.


rich

yeah I've considered that, but don't like the idea of leaving the PC permanently on...or the cost of the units

Accepted, but when you can listen anywhere (including work) it really does stack up. There is a soft SlimPlayer (Java) or you can just stream to your favoured SoftPlayer - iTunes, WinMX etc...

Have you looked into the iPod docking Bose systems i.e.

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObje...407&nplm=TA874

Add a 60Gb iPod

or

Just the new iPod dock+iPod plus reasonable stereo

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObje...s&mco=77C065DA


Whatever you decide let us know how you get on.

rich

I have my iPod connected up to my normal stereo using the iPod dock and normal phono leads, not the monster cables cos they cost far too much. Seems to work just fine, although I'm sure the audiophiles out there will tell me the music is horribly degraded by the iPod and I should be listening to the vinyl instead :)

You can get remotes for the iPod but I have no idea what functionality they allow.

Doesn't seem to be much out there, bar the car audio side of things, that allows full functionality through the stereo. Probably because you would have to be able to see a screen for the unit to be of any use I guess.

I use the JBL Harman Onstage speaker system with my iPod, and for the size of the unit the sound is awesome.

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=78238

This combined with an RF remote, you're hooked up in minutes and have a great portable system.

http://www.simplyipod.com/Remote-Controls/20/

PC, Xbox 360 and a home cinema would be a great setup IMHO. Can plug the ipod into the 360 as well.

Normal chipped Xbox is much cheaper and the best piece of home AV kit I've ever bought

I just thought with the 360 coming out why not go for that as it is set-up for wireless plus the Ipod interface thing would maybe appeal. :)