How Can I Use MY IPOD For a Music Source?

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the best avenue is for putting together a high-end system (speakers, amp, etc...) but running my music data off an IPOD? Is there a converter to take the info from the IPOD to the amp? I tried using a monster RCA connector from my IPOD into my Classe' CP-45 preamp and it was limited on the output. I've recently sold all of my equipment and looking to put a new system together and would like to use my IPOD as the main data base for my music. Thanks for any suggestions you might have.