sound quality when using aux-in with an iPod

[gadgetJunky72]

Hi Folks,

I recently discovered an aux input in my glove box. Initially I used a 3.5mm lead to connect the headphone socket of my iPhone to the aux-in and I wasn't overly impressed with the sound.

I then purchased one of these and the sound is so much better. I'm assuming the output from the dock connector is "better" than from the headphone socket.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004 ... 00_details

Cheers

Pav

[pvr]

Dock is much better than headphone, also headphone you have to adjust the iPod volume to about 3 quarters to get half decent sound.

Also, for this type of playback I add 20% of volume in iTunes via the "info" tab once selecting the playlist.

[Denis O]

The "dock" connector bypasses the iPod's internal amp so the signal path is cleaner. This type of cable is especially necessary if you are playing your iPod through a home stereo albeit with a different connector to the 3.5mm jack.

I play mine through a Naim system using dock connector to Naim Din connector. Flashback Sales used to make these cables with superb quality cable but sadly no more.

The connectors you have shown from eBay look pretty good so I have ordered 1 for my 535 (X5 use Intravee and mp3 Interchanger) The last one I got was from Maplin and the cable quality was atrocious.

[Denis O]

My dock to 3.5mm lead arrived and I tried it out yesterday. All sounds fine but when it came to pulling the dock connector out it wouldn't budge. Eventually it did come out but not without significant force.

Anyone else have this problem?

[pvr]

You have the squeeze the connector though?

[Denis O]

I did wonder about that although the dock to usb that came with it doesn't require squeezing.

Does 1 squeeze the the two sides or the 2 flats?

[pvr]

The one on my desk here has two side squeezes which move the pins on the metal bit inwards so the plug can be pulled out.

[Denis O]

On closer inspection I can now see the place where you squeeze. These old eyes are not what they used to be.

It's still stiff but no longer needs a crow bar.

[gadgetJunky72]

yep. i found it a bit stiff too (ooh err).

[pvr]

Frequent use will sort that

[Denis O]

You got to be joking. At my age, once it's in, it's staying in.