Later versions of I-touch devices can share audio files off a wireless network drive using a headphone jack to RCA plug cable, plus allow you to play Pandora Internet radio though your stereo. You might be able to pick up one used.
I think you lose some frequency response though, dont you?
The direct conection gives awesome sound
I have my computer hooked up directly to my stereo with bose 901 ‘s and the first time it said “your virus database has been updated” it scared the CRAP out of me because I thought someone was standing in my room