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Onkyo DS-A2x

iPod® dock

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  • Onkyo DS-A2x

    (iPod not included)

  • Onkyo DS-A2x

    Dock detail

Item# 580DSA2X offer details

Item# 580DSA2X

Review Summary

 
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Onkyo

Our take on the Onkyo DS-A2x

by Ralph Graves

The Onkyo DS-A2x dock gives you a convenient way to connect your iPod to Onkyo components and systems, as well as other brands of audio/video gear. An included audio/video cable connects the dock to your receiver to transmit music, photos and videos from your player. The DS-A2x even generates an on-screen menu from compatible iPods for convenient navigation on your TV.

The DS-A2x connects to the proprietary RI ("Remote Interactive") connection found on most Onkyo receivers currently available, allowing you to control your iPod using your Onkyo remote. It also comes with its own remote for use with other types of audio/video gear.

Highlights:

  • plays audio from select iPods (see "Hands-on Research")
  • plays video from older docking iPods (no video playback from iPod classic®, iPod nano®, iPod touch®, or iPhone®)
  • RI input allows iPod control with Onkyo remotes
  • audio/video cable
    • analog audio output (stereo RCA)
    • composite video output
  • RI cable included
  • remote control
  • automatically charges most iPods while docked (will not charge iPhone 3G, second generation iPod touch, or curved screen iPod nano)
  • AC adapter
  • 4-7/16"W x 2-1/2"H x 5-1/2"D
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
Shop all Onkyo iPod Docks
     

    Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

    Product Research

    Product Research
    What's in the box?

    Download owner's manual

    • DS-A2X Remote Interactive (RI) Dock for iPod
    • RC-670E wireless remote control
    • CR2025 lithium battery (installed)
    • 5.5' RI cable (with 3.5mm mono miniplug on each end)
    • 5.5' A/V patch cable (with stereo male RCA and composite video plugs on each end)
    • AC adapter with attached 6' DC output cord (DC output: 5.0V/1.0A)
    • Instruction Manual (English)
    • Instruction Manual (French/Spanish)
    • Product Registration/Warranty card

    Our Product Research Team

    At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

    Features

    Product Overview: The DS-A2X Remote Interactive (RI) Dock for iPod provides an interface between an iPod digital media player and Onkyo audio-video components and systems. Once an iPod is docked in the DS-A2X, you can control basic functions such as volume control, play, stop, and skip via the Onkyo system's RI-compatible wireless remote control. The dock also charges the iPod's battery. The dock allows you to view digital photos, video, and the on screen display so you can navigate the iPod's menu.

    iPod Compatibility: The DS-A2X is designed for use with iPod models having a Dock Connector. The DS-A2X features an adaptor wheel that turns to adjust for the depth of your particular iPod. The DS-A2X currently supports the following iPod models:

    • 5th Generation iPod video (audio and video)
    • iPod photo (audio and video)
    • 4th Generation iPod (audio only)
    • 1st/2nd/3rd/4th Generation iPod nano (audio only)
    • iPod mini (audio only)
    • iPod classic (audio only)
    • 1st/2nd Generation iPod touch (audio only)
    • iPhone/iPhone 3G (audio only)

    Note: The DS-A2X is not compatible with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation iPods, the 5th generation iPod nano, or the iPhone 3GS. The DS-A2X will not charge the 2nd or 3rd generation iPod touch, iPod nano 4th generation, or the iPhone 3G.

    System Compatibility: Nearly all Onkyo receivers, home theater systems, and audio systems are compatible with the DS-A2X through their RI (Remote Interactive) port. Because the DS-A2X includes a remote control and has standard RCA audio and video outputs, it is actually compatible with any A/V system with those inputs.

    On Screen Display (OSD): The DS-A2X comes with an on-screen display (OSD) mode that enables you to view track lists (artists, albums, songs, genres, composers) on your connected display for easy navigation and selection. In OSD mode, you can browse your iPod using the keys on the dedicated remote controller. You can choose from four page modes (Small, Medium, Large and Page) that let you move through your iPod's music library in progressively larger steps. The OSD also displays information about the track being played such as playback status, shuffle mode, playback time and total time. You can also choose the background color of the OSD and set the time at which the screen saver is activated. The background color for the menu can be set to Black, Magenta, or two shades each of red, green, or blue. You can specify the time after which the screen saver engages; 1, 5, or 10 minutes. When the screen saver engages the menu disappears and the screen goes blank. The screen saver can also be turned off.

    IR Wireless Remote Control: The DS-A2X comes with its own wireless IR remote controller to control all basic playback functions of the unit and your iPod. With its simple layout and easy operability, this palm-fitting remote controller is particularly handy for navigating and selecting your music through the unit's OSD. The remote controller also brings one-touch control for random playback of songs or albums; a resume function that will return to the track being played when the iPod is stopped or removed from the Dock; and a repeat function for one track or all. The remote controller can also be used to set its own ID (an option when you have multiple remote controllers as part of your system) or to select NTSC or PAL for video playback.

    Remote Interactive (RI): Remote Interactive (RI) is an exclusive Onkyo control system that allows RI-compatible Onkyo audio components to be controlled with a single remote controller. In addition, all components can be turned on or off together, and the amplifier will automatically turn on and select the appropriate input source when playback is started on a source component. You can control your iPod using the Tape, MD, CDR, or HDD/Dock input source and remote control mode. You must first switch the RI mode switch on the bottom of the dock to the input source/remote control mode you plan to use. Onkyo's RI system allows you to use your amp's remote controller to control the basic functions of your iPod, such as Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Fast Rewind, Next Song, Previous Song, etc. Depending upon the model of your amp and generation of iPod, you may also be able to use some of the following advanced functions through Onkyo's RI system:

    • System On/Off: when you turn your amp on or off, the RI dock and your iPod will turn on or off accordingly
    • Auto Power On: if you press Play on the remote control while the amp is in Standby, your amp will automatically turn on and select your iPod as the input source, then, the iPod will begin playback
    • iPod Alarm Clock: use your iPod's Alarm Clock function to automatically turn on your iPod and amp at a specified time, the amp's input source will automatically be set to the input to which your iPod is connected
    • Direct Change: if you start iPod playback using the remote control while listening to another input source, your amp will automatically select the iPod as the input source
    • Timer Play: you can use your amp's Timer function to turn on your amp and iPod and start playback at a specified time
    • Advanced Playback Functions: Shuffle, Repeat, Backlight, Playlist/Album mode, Next/Previous Playlist, Next/Previous Album
    • Dimmer Link: when you use your amp's Dimmer function to change its display's brightness, the brightness of the RI Dock's Power indicator will change as well

    Note on Functions: In most cases, to use these functions, your iPod must be in the RI dock, and the RI dock must be connected to your amp with both an RI cable and an audio cable.

    iPod Photo and Video Playback: When the DS-A2X is used with an iPod photo or 5th Generation iPod, you can enjoy iPod photos and slideshows with music through your Onkyo audio-video system. Also, the DS-A2X can pass full motion video from 5th Generation iPods. For photo and/or video playback, you must connect the dock's video jack to an input on your Onkyo receiver or TV. The DS-A2X will not only send photos and video to a TV or monitor, it will also send the menu text display information such as artist, title, or playlists.

    Connectors: The DS-A2X Remote Interactive Dock has the following connections:

    • Top of Unit: iPod dock connector
    • Back of Unit:
      • RI: 3.5mm (1/8") mini jack for supplied RI cable (mono mini)
      • Video Out: Composite video jack
      • Audio Out: Left and right RCA jacks for supplied RCA audio patch cable
      • DC In (5V/1A): Round DC power connector for supplied AC adapter
     

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    Reviews for the Onkyo DS-A2x

    Average Customer Review:

    29 people say:

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    Showing: 1-20 of 29
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    3 out of 5

    Another Automatic Input Switching Victim

    Written By Gerry, Bethesda, MD on Thursday, June 11, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I generally like the new Onkyo DS-A2x iPod dock that I purchased to use with my new Onkyo TX-NR906 A/V Receiver. However, like some of the other reviewers, I was disappointed with the on-screen display (OSD) graphics. More seriously, I too experienced the problem of having my receiver automatically switch to the Game/TV input when I played the iPod. Nevertheless, I was able to come up with a moderately satisfactory work-around. The Onkyo instructions say to use the Aux1 or the Tape input for the dock, and to cycle the Aux1 or Tape button to "Dock" in order to get the receiver remote to control the dock. However, I found that by skipping this latter instruction, I could avoid the automatic receiver jump from the Aux1 to the Game/TV input. Accordingly, I left the input set to "Aux1" rather than cycling it to "Dock." This apparently disables the "Auto Power On Function" and "Direct Change Function," but those functions only work if the OSD is turned off. Because I use the OSD to control the iPod with my remote, for me the trade off is worth it. Other than this, I am happy with the DS-A2x iPod dock.
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    2 out of 5

    Onkyo DS-A2x

    Written By Mike, Timonium, Maryland on Thursday, April 16, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I echo many of the same comments. OSD is terrible considering the advanced equipment involved in the setup. Also, it seems very cumbersome navigating the ITouch while in the cradle. I expected the same menus that Apple provides to work through playlist, etc easily. It also seems that videos do not pass through, but i haven't investigated this thoroughly.
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    3 out of 5

    Touch 2nd Gen Charges!

    Written By Lweel8, Belleville, ON on Tuesday, March 31, 2009
     
    Well colour me surprised. The 2nd gen iPod Touch actually charges in this thing - even though every piece of documentation says it won't. That's the good news. The bad news is that the OSD and the navigation are pretty poor. I was just about shocked to see the 1980's on-screen fonts and menus but I was even more baffled when the remote control didn't function the same way as the iPod click wheel. Pressing play on the remote does not initiate a playlist or the song you've selected but instead resumes play from wherever you happened to be. It took me a few tries to learn that you needed to hit the "select" button. Strange. Oh well, the Logitech Harmony took care of that for me.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    2 out of 5

    Onkyo DS-A2x

    Written By bob, atascadero ca on Thursday, February 12, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    moderately disappointed! partly my fault though. The volume on the remote only works an onkyo amp. I had a DENON amp.(my bad) There is no on off on the remote. ( The ipod has to be manually turned off) The DLO unit I have does all that. I kept my old dock and put the new one in a room that we don't entertain in. If you don't mind converting a mini plug to RCA connectors on your stereo, the DLO unit is by far a better product.
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    1 out of 5

    Seemed ok.....

    Written By Howard, L.A. California on Monday, February 09, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I had the same problem as the gentlemen that upgraded his onkyo recievier to a 806. For some reason when attemplting to play back anything on any of my 4 ipods it switches back from aux1(dock) to game. The exact same problem as the last person that tried to hook up an onkyo dock to a onkyo reciever. Maybe i should have purchased an authentic apple product. The osd display is a joke. Display output looks like a computer from the late 1980's. After spending almost 10k for my tv and surround sound system, I was very let down by my ipod dock. I currently have 4 hdmi's in so i cant use another slot for the dock. So for now its just a pretty accesory that doesnt really work.
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    4 out of 5

    iPod Dock Review

    Written By Mark, The Woodlands, TX on Sunday, February 08, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Simple to install. Works per my expectations. Given how advanced we are with graphics, the OSD is disappointing.
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    5 out of 5

    Works as promised and easy to install

    Written By Luigi, Erie, PA on Friday, January 30, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    The title says it all. The dock works as it should and is easy to install. Although the on screen display works as it should it does not display album cover art or any graphics. The font is a normal computer font, but you can change the color of the OSD. Overall I'm very pleased with the dock.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Onkyo DS-A2x

    Written By Mike, Toano, VA on Monday, January 26, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    This dock is awesome! I can get rid of my old cd player on my home stereo. It was simple to hook up and works great. It also charges the ipod. This thing is awesome! Oh yeh, I already said that.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    3 out of 5

    Good but not great

    Written By Pete, Denver, CO on Sunday, January 25, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    We bought the iPod dock in December and have used it several times. The dock works well and the sound through the speakers is better than our portable iPod player. The only drawback is that the dock is not that easy to set up and we weren't able to play video from an iPod Classic.
    2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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    3 out of 5

    Setup was a problem

    Written By Anonymous, Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, January 23, 2009
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I purchased the Onkyo Ipod dock for my Onkyo 706 receiver. The dock worked fine with 706 until I replaced the 706 with an Onkyo 876 receiver. Everytime I pressed play, the dock jumped the receiver to the Game/TV input even though the dock was hooked up to the Aux 1 input as recommended in the instructions. After spending two days with Onkyo support and trying various things which included resetting both the receiver and dock to factory settings, the support representative was at a loss as to why this was happening. He advised that I return the dock to Crutchfield. Crutchfield was great about returning the item. Crutchfield sent me a replacement even before I had sent the old dock back. When I hooked the new dock to the 876, the same problem occurred. I decided to just hook up the dock to the Game/TV input and live with this arrangement even though the instructions for the dock and receiver indicate that the dock should be hooked up to either the Aux 1 or Tape inputs. Now that the Game/TV input is taken, I don't know if I will have a problem later if I try to add a game system.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    4 out of 5

    Review of iPod dock

    Written By David, NYC on Monday, December 08, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Everything with this unit is great except for the OSD. The OSD function itself is great and exactly what I was expecting. The problem, however, is the sterile look of the OSD (i.e., font, lack of graphics, no album art, no sidebars). I'm not sure why Onkyo did not invest the extra few dollars for some sort of graphic option or allow me to have a picture stored on my iPod as the background.
    2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Excellent Sound

    Written By Anonymous, RayS from Canovanas, PR on Wednesday, November 05, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    Purchased this iPod dock for usage with Onkyo Receiver TX-SR705.
    Pro - Quality of Sound is Excellent, easy to connect and user friendly menu.
    Con - Sometimes, it is difficult to handle the remote control when trying to change songs.
    Overall - I got what I wanted. Excellent...

    Also, delivery was quick considering that shipment was made to Puerto Rico.
    3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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    3 out of 5

    So-So

    Written By Bryan, Beaumont, TX on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    It's a nice companion to my Onkyo TX-SR606 receiver, being that it provides access to my collection of Ipod tunes. However, the gadget needs improvement. In a high-tech world where we're accustomed to crisp graphics, this thing seems antiquated with an on-screen display reminiscent of an early 1980's Atari game. Also, the remote isn't very responsive. There's an annoying delay in reaction, so it becomes a source of frustration when trying to select a song, artist, or album on your Ipod.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    4 out of 5

    As advertised

    Written By THOMAS, Portland, OR on Friday, October 17, 2008
     
    This unit integrates nicely with my Onkyo surround sound system. The included remote is small and cheap. At high volumes, the downside of over-compression become more apparent. A great and convenient way to easily access and enjoy your entire music library. But, for the best sound, play the original music source.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Works as advertised

    Written By Colin, Houston, TX on Sunday, October 05, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I paired the DS-A2x up with my Onkyo TX-SR806 and had the thing up and running perfecting in less than 10 minutes using the receivers remote. Sound is great and the on-screen text display for controlling the iPod works well. I am currently using a Gen3 iPod and don't have video but assume that will be even better with respect to the onscreen display. If you're looking for a great way to hook-up your iPod to your receiver...this is it.
    1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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    3 out of 5

    It's OK

    Written By Brian, Centerville, OH on Sunday, September 21, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I don't like the idea of having to have your TV on to access the Ipod. My new $4000 TV shouldn't be the only way to change songs.
    7 out of 10 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Great product!

    Written By Mark, Denver, CO on Saturday, September 06, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    This is truly a great product in my opinion. I use it in conjunction with my Onkyo surround sound system and it really makes the music sound awesome! When playing my ipod classic from the Onkyo DS-A2x, it fills my room with clear surround sound. The music coming out of my system never sounded better. (Before I was using a mixing-board to play the ipod through my receiver or playing songs from my computer, but this is definitely a step up in sound quality.) The remote is interactive and you can control the ipod with the remote. I like the ability to use the TV screen if you wish to control the music, although I normally just use the ipod's controls so I don't have to have my TV on all the time. But I imagine if you're having a party or something it'd be nice to see the songs up on the screen. I'm guessing this product would work well even if you don't have an Onkyo brand receiver, although I can verify that if you do have an Onkyo receiver it'll really enhance your music-listening experience. I'm glad I bought this product and expect many years of good use.
    2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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    2 out of 5

    Onkyo ipod doc

    Written By Justin, Portland, OR on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    I've got mixed feeling on this ipod doc. It is remote controlled and I really like that. However, you have to use your tv screen as the ipod screen to change songs. Once the ipod is plugged into the stand the only way to use it is through your tv. you can't just hit the buttons on the face of the ipod to change songs. I have a 46" tv, and I really don't want to leave it on for hours just to listen to music. I also don't like the idea of turning the tv on and off every time I want to change a song on my ipod. It would be nice if you could use it both through the tv, and the more conventional way of just hitting the buttons on the face.
    3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    another use for iPod

    Written By neo38t, Liberty Twp., Ohio on Tuesday, August 05, 2008
     
    one of the locations for a set of speakers was outside, attached to the pergola, over the deck. usually we had CD's randomized to entertain..but lacked consistant music we liked. Then came iPod by Onkyo. the receiver is Onkyo as well... so the remote that comes with the iPod controls volume as well. Load up your fav tunes and let it rip. Great digital sound, pure entertainment... and most of all... no jumping up to change the music. It charges the Nano (iPod of our choice), as it rests in the holder. Very easy to install... up and running within 5 minutes. well worth the price.
    3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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    5 out of 5

    Onkyo DS-A2x

    Written By Bankole, Bloomfield, NJ on Tuesday, July 15, 2008
    Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
     
    This is an outstanding product. I hosted a large party on the 4th of July and I used this Gem to connect my ipod to my sound system. The connections are simple and easy to complete. I highly recommend this product.
    Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
     
    1-20 of 29 >>

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    • (iPod not included)

      Onkyo DS-A2x
    • Dock detail

      Onkyo DS-A2x