SIK Imp vs. PocketDock-any difference?

[catpodder]

I have the PIE hookup to an auxiliary port in the back of my 2002 VW Passat. I first tried the Monster cable with the line out but it didn't sound very good and the cases would all have to be modified to fit the connection. I purchased a SIK Imp cable, and the sound quality out of the iPod dock sounds as bad as the Monster cable. Both sounded great out of the headset jack versus the dock/lineout jack. While it's usable, I would prefer to only plug in one cord and the headset jack is so sensitive when you're driving--it pauses a lot! I'm not sure if my Monsoon sound system is so basic that it needs the amp out of the headset jack to sound good? When using the lineout, it sounds "noisy". My husband has the same opinion. Would utilizing the PocketDock make any difference or would I run into the same issues?

[fondoo]

i own a pocketdock line-out usb and it works great in my car.

http://forums.ipodlounge.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=98068&highlight=pocketdock+usb

[catpodder]

Does the Pocketdock have a built-in amp?

[fondoo]

no, but it uses the docking port for output. headphone jack uses the ipod amp and drains the battery faster.

[catpodder]

My SIK cable has the line out function but it doesn't sound as good in my car as the headset out. I can't figure out why the lineout sounds worse. I know the headset out has an amp built in. I've tried different cables (Monster vs. SIK).

[vikecowboy]

Is it possible that you are getting ground loop noise on your IMP line out and thus need a ground loop isolator?

Does the noise get louder when you rev the engine? If so, you probably need a ground loop isolator.

Go to radio shack web site and search for ground loop isolator. They have also been discussed here at length.

Just my two cents worth

[catpodder]

I just checked Radio Shack's website. Looks like the one near my house has it for $16.99. If it doesn't work, I can always return it within 30 days, right? I'll search the forum on it. Thanks.

[catpodder]

Okay, I went by Radio Shack and bought the ground loop isolator and then a coupler to connect. It sounds a little better, but it still sounds muffled (through the line out connection). When connected to the headset out, it sounds fine. I guess I'll just have to live with using the fussy headset out. When using the headset out, you have the ability to use the vol up/down on the iPod as well as the volume on the stereo. For whatever reason, that makes a difference on my stock Monsoon headunit. One thing, before I put the isolator on, I did NOT notice it getting worse as I increased speed. It continued to sound "noisy" and got worse the louder I turn up the volume.

[vikecowboy]

Sorry the GLI did not solve your problem.

I assume that you have connected your ipod to you computer using the line out and is sounds fine?

In other words, have you proved that the ipod itself is not the problem - maybe there is something wrong with the line out in your ipod.

Just a thought - sure hope you find the problem.

[jwc110869]

I have the Sik Imp and the Pocketdock, both give me the same issues in the cassette player of my truck, but both sound great in my wife's van. I think its more an issue with head units then adaptors.

BTW, the PocketDock is too big for the openings in most case, so check Sendstation's web site for a list of compatable cases before making another plunge............

[catpodder]

Well, finally figured it out. I stumbled onto another thread about the headset volume cable from Radio Shack. I guess the Belkin line out cables have the ability to adjust the volume on the lineout. My SIK Imp didn't have that. I went to Radio Shack, bought the cable for about $6, hooked it up to the SIK Imp, and now it sounds GREAT through the line out versus the headset! I'll keep the GLI because I think it helped anyway. Thanks for all your helpful suggestions.