Harman/kardon THE BRIDGE - Digital player docking station

Previously, we used an Apple dock, which we connected into our A/V receiver input for audio and into an AC outlet for power, using the supplied Apple adapter. It worked fine, but had it's obvious limitations, such as using the iPod in it's dock for music selections or removing it, selecting what you wanted, pausing it, then re-inserting into the dock for playback. Nice, but not ideal. During a power outage and then subsequent surge, our iPod got zapped and needed to be repaired, which we then had performed.Having just purchased the Harmon Kardon AVR 247 receiver, we became aware of 'The Bridge' iPod dock. We did some research and could see that it would not only replace our Apple dock, but actually had additional capabilities, which were attractive.We bought 'The Bridge' docking station and installed it easily into AVR 247 by connecting one cable. That connection allows power and charging and provides a signal path as well. No AC outlet or other audio connections are required. Easy! The audio is very good, but the best part is the iPod is fully integrated into the receiver. The iPod LCD screen information is displayed on the face of the receiver and on your television screen, providing the same info to either (or both) without any additional setup or changes. You can use the receiver's remote to control everything that you would using the iPod click wheel as well as controlling the receiver's volume and the particular audio setup as well. The AVR 247 has the software included to perform all of these functions. The downside is, the dock only works with selected HK receivers and not other brands, but this is the perfect marriage between an iPod and home audio. It's a great product that is easy to use and is also inexpensive. I would highly recommend this product.

My husband and I really like this product. I bought it for him because I hate wires; this has only one. It matches everything we have and works well. The sound is good, much better than I had hoped, considering the MP3 format. There is a small learning curve and knowing your receiver remote is important. However, overall we are quite satisfied and felt comfortable enough to tell a couple fo friends about it.

Realize that this product is little more than a plastic base and a connecting cable, so its specific behavior and performance depends on which Ipod and which HK receiver you are using. It works great with recent stuff-- I use a Nano and AVR-247. Yes you can turn on shuffle with the remote.I was worried about Mr. Dooling's ticking noise, but there is no evidence of that in my system.Some reviewers have complained about having to switch between AVR and Bridge on the remote to alternately use the volume and FF controls. There is a fix for that described in the receiver manual FAQs. Just program a volume punch-through into the remote for Bridge mode.

I bought the Bridge and Harmon Kardon 3485 Receiver together on an Amazon offer. And guess what? The receiver doesn't have the right input jack for the Bridge. (The Bridge doesn't use standard RCA cable, but rather a custom jack). So there is no possible way to put them together.Shame on you Amazon!

i should've listened to micheal dooling! his reviews were right on the dot. it is a hassle to use this product. before i got the bridge i was actually doing ok with the monster rca wires. im gonna try to return the product.