If you get an iPod dock cradle, you can permanently connect the cradle to the 861 via a cheap analogue cable (think its 3.5mm stereo to 2 x phono) - you don't have to use the apple branded cables. Not best quality though but are you really going to notice the difference with an iPod? You can get it to charge at the same time.

Meridian owner since 1992
Prime & PSU, Focal Elear headphones, Roon (ROCK 8Gi5 NUC), Explorer 1 & 2, F80. 200/203, various Sonos (via Roon).