How to Play Your iPod or MP3 Through an Amp
Discern the type of amp you have., Purchase a male RCA to male 3.5 millimeter cable if you don't have one., Attach the 6.35 millimeter adaptor to your 3.5 millimeter cord if your amp requires it., Make sure your amp is connected to your stereo...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Discern the type of amp you have.
Most modern amps have standard RCA audio inputs (similar to the red and white inputs on a television) on the back.
Both these and the output on your iPod or MP3 player are
3.5 millimeters, so they'll work with standard auxiliary cables.
Some old models of amps have
6.35 millimeter inputs, which match 1/4 inch headphone adaptors.
These won't accept standard
3.5 millimeter auxiliary cables. -
Step 2: Purchase a male RCA to male 3.5 millimeter cable if you don't have one.
You can find these on Amazon or in any electronics store, like Radio Shack or Best Buy, for about $5.00.
This cable allows you to attach your MP3 player or iPod to the "left" and "right" audio inputs in the back of your amp.If you have an amp with a
6.35 millimeter input, purchase a
3.5 millimeter auxiliary cord and a
3.5 millimeter to
6.35 millimeter adaptor.
You can also find these on Amazon--they start at around $4.00., The RCA to
3.5 millimeter cable you'll use for a modern amp should already be assembled., This way, you won't encounter any electrical issues while trying to play your iPod or MP3 through your amp. , You are now ready to plug your media player into your amp! , This cable should go in the same output as your headphones would. , Though the input location will vary based on your model and style of amp, it will normally entail two
3.5 millimeter input holes--one red and one white, to match the RCA cables--under a name such as "AUX-IN" (for auxiliary).
You can also plug into the "CD" or "VCR" inputs if there is no "AUX" option.If you're working with a
6.35 millimeter input, the large end of your cable should plug into the headphones jack in the front of the amp.
Make sure you're plugging your cable into an input slot, not an output slot. , Make sure everything is on before turning on your iPod or MP3 player. ,, If you can't hear anything initially, turn the volume up on your iPod or MP3 player before cranking the volume on your amp. , Do this gradually so you don't hurt your ears. , For example, if your amp has a distortion feature or a bass-boost, turn these down or off to ensure the clearest audio signal possible. , Your iPod or MP3 should now be playing through your amp! -
Step 3: Attach the 6.35 millimeter adaptor to your 3.5 millimeter cord if your amp requires it.
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Step 4: Make sure your amp is connected to your stereo system and a power source.
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Step 5: Make sure your iPod or MP3 player is nearby.
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Step 6: Connect the 3.5 millimeter end of your cable to your media player.
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Step 7: Connect the other end of your cable to your amp's audio input(s).
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Step 8: Turn on your amp and any connected stereo components.
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Step 9: Turn on your iPod or MP3 player and select a song.
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Step 10: Adjust your media player's volume level accordingly.
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Step 11: Adjust your amp's volume once the media player's volume is all the way up.
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Step 12: Adjust any additional amp settings as you listen.
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Step 13: Enjoy your music.
Detailed Guide
Most modern amps have standard RCA audio inputs (similar to the red and white inputs on a television) on the back.
Both these and the output on your iPod or MP3 player are
3.5 millimeters, so they'll work with standard auxiliary cables.
Some old models of amps have
6.35 millimeter inputs, which match 1/4 inch headphone adaptors.
These won't accept standard
3.5 millimeter auxiliary cables.
You can find these on Amazon or in any electronics store, like Radio Shack or Best Buy, for about $5.00.
This cable allows you to attach your MP3 player or iPod to the "left" and "right" audio inputs in the back of your amp.If you have an amp with a
6.35 millimeter input, purchase a
3.5 millimeter auxiliary cord and a
3.5 millimeter to
6.35 millimeter adaptor.
You can also find these on Amazon--they start at around $4.00., The RCA to
3.5 millimeter cable you'll use for a modern amp should already be assembled., This way, you won't encounter any electrical issues while trying to play your iPod or MP3 through your amp. , You are now ready to plug your media player into your amp! , This cable should go in the same output as your headphones would. , Though the input location will vary based on your model and style of amp, it will normally entail two
3.5 millimeter input holes--one red and one white, to match the RCA cables--under a name such as "AUX-IN" (for auxiliary).
You can also plug into the "CD" or "VCR" inputs if there is no "AUX" option.If you're working with a
6.35 millimeter input, the large end of your cable should plug into the headphones jack in the front of the amp.
Make sure you're plugging your cable into an input slot, not an output slot. , Make sure everything is on before turning on your iPod or MP3 player. ,, If you can't hear anything initially, turn the volume up on your iPod or MP3 player before cranking the volume on your amp. , Do this gradually so you don't hurt your ears. , For example, if your amp has a distortion feature or a bass-boost, turn these down or off to ensure the clearest audio signal possible. , Your iPod or MP3 should now be playing through your amp!
About the Author
Kyle Miller
A passionate writer with expertise in home improvement topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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