I have a stereo in my basement that worked fine the last times I used it but I haven't used it in a long time. I use my iPod as input from the earphone jack. I went to use it today and there is no sound at all coming from the speakers but when I turn the volume up on the iPod, a mechanical sound comes from the amp and increases as I increase the iPod volume. The sound actually sounds like a little motor whirring. The graphic equalizer shows that there is input from the iPod and the graphs go up as I increase the volume on the iPod.

On the iPod, (or the Doc) is a 3,5 mm socket, where the earphone or speakers go in. On your Amplifier, are two gulp entrys, called line input. Just use (perhaps you still have to buy one) a cable from 3,5 mm Stereo, to 2 tulip plugs to connect both. Then when playing, test the volume you should put the iPod top, so your amp can handle he signal and the sound through the speakers sounds good. Then use the volume knob on the amp to fine adjust.
The amp was build in a time there were no iPods, so don't expect an USB entry o that one.
Cable you need:

According to Apple, over 90 percent of new cars retailed in the United States are equipped with iPod connectivity.
The iPod has become such a popular device, that many car stereos are now furnished with a 30-pin dock connector cable in order to link to the portable media player.
But this built-in compatibility is not essential for connecting your iPod to your car stereo. In fact, there are numerous options for integrating your iPod with your car.
Recently manufactured vehicles can support an iPod connection through an auxiliary input.
And FM transmitters can be used to stream your iPod's audio files through an FM frequency. iPods can even be connected to much older car stereos with the use of a tape adapter.

Connect an iPod to a Car Stereo Through the Auxiliary Input
Insert an extension cable with 3.5 mm stereo connectors on each end into the headphone output of your iPod. Insert the other end of the 3.5 mm stereo connector cable into your car stereo system's auxiliary input. Press the "Aux" button on your car stereo. Turn on your iPod and select media to play. The stereo will now stream audio from your iPod. b> Connect an iPod to a Car Stereo With an FM Transmitter Insert the FM transmitter into the 30-pin dock connector of your iPod. Turn on your iPod to activate the FM transmitter. Select the FM frequency you want your device to stream audio to on your car stereo. Turn on the car stereo and tune it to the same FM frequency as the FM transmitter attached to your iPod. The stereo will now stream audio from your iPod. b> Connect an iPod to a Car Stereo With a Cassette Adapter Plug the jack connector of the cassette adapter into the headphone output of your iPod. Insert the cassette into the car stereo. Turn on your iPod and select media to play. The stereo will now stream audio from your iPod.

http://www.apple.com/ipod/car-integration/ http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1865467,00.asp

Batteries--especially rechargeable ones--do not hold their charge forever. The batteries power naturally drains, even if you don't use them. Just recharge your ipod, and it should work fine.

Maggie, you haven't stated which Bose system you have but the generally if the pop vocals are virtually inaudible and and it sound hollow then your ipod connector is damaged and one of the audio pins is not making contact. I have repaired hundreds of systems and you can spot it straight away. Assuming it is a Sounddock then the most inexpensive best is to 'buy and try' a docking connector from www.invebo.com. You can do it yourself click here to see the guide video. (Buy and try means that you are guaranteed a refund if it doesn't fix your problem)

Dear Jereed7,

Have you tried to change the batteries of the controller?
When you haven't used it for two years, then i would try that in the first place.

I hope I helped you with your problem.
With kind regards,

MisterN

Connecting to a home stereo

1. For most home stereo systems, connect iPod to your amplifier's sound input using a 3.5 mm mini stereo to RCA adapter cable.
2. Adjust the volume on iPod to less than half to prevent overdriving your amplifier. Adjust the listening volume using your stereo's controls.
   
   Note: Depending on your stereo, iPod may need to be set higher than half in order to get a proper volume through external speakers.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2167

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_69f3cc28d95bf514

You can plug the Ipod into the mic input , to do test recording. But the result wont be great.

To listen the Ipod in your stereo you should plug the Ipod into the Auxiliary input on the stereo.

Naturally you do not need any dvd.

Here is the adapter: 1.5M 3.5mm Male to Male AV Audio RCA Y Adapter

make sure that your shelf stereo in IPOD ready most unit need a bridge of some sort or a dock. If your receiver is ready and it is not working still then the problem is in the multi media device.

press source button repeatedly to select "CD" or "MD" be aware that in order to connecting Ipod to a car stereo you will need to use an extension cable with 3.5 mm stereo connectors on each end to connect iPod to your car stereo system's aux input, or use a cassette adapter if your car stereo doesn't have a sound input jack. Either of these items can be purchased at stores that sell car stereo accessories. good luck!