Well this is both good and bad news.... I just picked up a connector for my ipod that connects with the mini jack and USB. It is one of those connectors designed for BMW Idrive. Anyway, when I was on a roadtrip yesterday, I noticed that not only could i NOT use the audio controls on my base "Boost" stereo to control the ipod. Nor could I use my steering wheel controls for forward reverse. Then I noticed there was a clicking sound in the speakers when noting was playing. It was a steady click click click. Only present in AUX. mode. I thought it was a bad cable, but now I think it is the input jack as you mention. Any update on sourcing the problem?

I believe my problem is three fold. I read above that the AUX has an input attenuator, and I will need to check this out as I do have a slight imbalance in levels for CD/radio/Aux. In addition, the sound quality seems to deteriorate over time. I am thinking w the aux input low and my ipod volume maxed out, the boost stereo is maxed out and I am hearing distortion from the amplifier. Does this sound reasonable? or could it be the cable which does not seem to be functioning as designed? BTW, does a'10 Mini have the Idrive feature built in to my car? perhaps this is also why functionality isn't as it should?

After all said, the good news is a flash drive can be loaded with music for long trips. Hopefully the sound quality is better.

 

The better amp should always do the work. You ipod should be at zero gain and the car should do the amplifying.

Not sure if that helps, but having the ipod at full would not be what I would do.

 

I am going to have to check today, but i believe that ipod volume control is active using the mini plug/earphone jack. Using the ipod connector may disable the volume control.

BTW i did score a nice JL audio amp for low money. Thats the next upgrade.

 

A possible workaround would be to get a cheap headphone amplifier and run the iPod through it. I suggest a Fiio E6.

The only problem is, it's an additional part, and you have to charge it every 10 or so hours of playback. It does boost volume significantly, and also has settings for a huge bass boost if you're so inclined.

On the plus side, you can also use it as it was intended for, with your headphones. It makes even cheaper ear buds sound substantially better with it. It also allows you to run your iPod at substantially lower volumes.