Is there a simple wire to just connect the docking port to the Mini Aux in for an iPod? I don't want a cradle/charger unit, just a wire to improve the sound from the iPod beyond the male/male wire.

 

Ipod Dock Conn To 3.5MM Cable
I got it from Amazon

 

How does it sound? If I turn the preamp off in the Griffin TuneFlex dock, the volume is very weak. Running a male-to-male cord from the earphone jack on a 60GB iPod to the AUX seems to work better than from the dock connector without amplification. However, it sounds better through the dock with the preamp on.

I wonder if getting a quality preamp and using the cable above would be feasible?

 

Maximoose: Thanks, that's what I want. It can't be much and it could sound better even without amplification .

 

Also try the earphone to AUX cord. They are available at Radio Schlock, cheap. Or, like this on ebay.

 

$10, can't go wrong. On the plus side your HU controls the volume level of it, so just setup your playlist and hit play. The sound quality is alot better, although I recommend tweaking it on both ipod and HU

 

That's what I use now. I was hoping for better sound from the line out dock connector. I didn't realize that the Belkin unit and others use a preamp though.

 

I'd stay away from the Belkin one. The Griffin TuneFlex AUX Flexible Charging Cradle is good. Available at the Apple Store online.

One of the major benefits to the cradle, besides the preamp, is that it charges the iPod while you drive. It does have disadvantages. It takes up the cigarette outlet; you can't put it where you want; and the flexible arm sags under the weight of a 60GB iPod. A little Velcro fixed that for me.

Still, I may someday go for the iPod Integration, in spite of the price, so I can control it from the steering wheel, and see playlist on the NAV.

 

I have a cable like this and think that it's great. It works much better than using the headphone jack. Sounds better. Mine has a device in the middle that allows the cable to complete retract into it so there's not a lot of extra cable running around.

I just let the ipod sit underneath the E brake. I might get a mount sometime, but I tend to listen to longer playlists and podcasts so it works great for me.

I don't feel the need to charge the ipod in the car. The battery life is long and I sync with the computer everyday and use it on portable speakers that charge it.

 

What brand is the one with the retractor that you have? I don't care about charging either. Mine plays for 16-20 hours, that's plenty for me.

 

Probably something like this.

 

I had one of the basic iPod docks hanging around the house, so I use it in the mini. It acutally sits right in the ashtray (with the lid up) perfectly, and doesn't slide around at all. I got a charge cord that I plug into the cig lighter whenever I need a charge, and take it out when it's done.

It's not a perfect solution, but I think it sounds better than coming right out of the headphone jack.