Forgive me if I'm asking the obvious, but from my research, it seems to me that one of the better solutions for listening to and powering an iPod in a car is to use the Belkin AutoKit such that the line out of the AutoKit is connected to the AUX in of the head unit. Most of the comments I have seen relate to using the AutoKit with either an FM transmitter or a cassette adapter, but I want to cable the line out of the Belkin directly to inputs on the car deck.

I have purchased an IP-bus to RCA stereo converter cable for my Pioneer deck (a CD changer capable unit) so that I can listen to the iPod through the car stereo. I need to purchase a 3.5mm jack to RCA stereo cable, next, but those are easier to find and I want to find the best quality/money version.

I figure the AutoKit does two things for me:
1) powers the iPod
2) allows use of the line out signal rather than the headphone signal from the iPod

My questions are, as I await delivery of my iPod:
- have any/many of you used this configuration?
- how does the overall sound rate with you?
- where do you set the line out volume, the iPod volume, and the head unit volume to get the best undistorted sound.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Jerry

Quote: Originally posted by jmahone
- where do you set the line out volume, the iPod volume, and the head unit volume to get the best undistorted sound.

I set the Line Out volume to match the volume of my radio. That way I can switch back and forth without blasting out my ears. The iPod volume is bypassed when you are plugged into Line Out, so it doesn't matter.

(I only have a cassette adaptor, though.)

Quote: Originally posted by thenightfly42
I set the Line Out volume to match the volume of my radio. That way I can switch back and forth without blasting out my ears. The iPod volume is bypassed when you are plugged into Line Out, so it doesn't matter.

(I only have a cassette adaptor, though.)

This does not relate to the Belkin Adapter as it uses the fire wire out on the Ipod versus the headphone jack used by the cassette adapter.

The sound is controlled by the head unit. The sound is pure goodness just as good as cd. Though I have found that it is very critical on the qaulity of the MP3's. The MP3's I have that were made directly from a CD sound great. The ones I downloaded from the net are a mixed bag due to qaulity.

However aside from that the sound is amazing. Here is a pic of my setup.

http://home.comcast.net/~taskman33/p1140008.jpg



Taskman

Taskman,
Your picture wasn't viewable; are you sure the addr is correct?

Anyway, if I understand correctly, you say you use the head unit volume control. I anticipated doing that, but what do you set the Belkin's output level to? My impression is that if you set the Belkin level too high, this introduces distortion down the road (well, okay, the speakers) as you increase the head unit's volume. I was trying to figure out the ratio between the Belkin output level to the head unit (which will vary by head unit, I know). Something along the lines of: well, I set the Belkin to 25% of max, then use the head unit volume to suit taste, etc. Is the Belkin control marked so that one can consistently set the level to the same value all the time? I realize it will probably get set once and then left alone, but just in case...

Thanks,
Jerry

Since I have my Belkin Auto Kit stashed behind radio, I no longer have option to adjust it. I have Belkin volume turned up all the way, and I'm controlling the volume on my radio. It's been no problems with that setting. If you'd like, you can see some pictures I took on my web site, which is mentioned in another thread here "iPod in My Honda Insight".

miyagi

I'm doing exactly that. Check out my install here:

My install Pics

For good sound, you must set your levels correctly to prevent distortion to your speakers. The reason for this is because you want to prevent clipping.

While playing music on your ipod, the best thing for you to do is set your radio receiver volume to approx. 75-80%. Increase your belkin volume until distortion can be heard. Then back down the Belkin volume just before the distortion level- done. That's all you need to do without using expensive audio test equipment.

Ok I fixed the link.

http://home.comcast.net/~taskman33/P1140008.JPG

Regarding the volume I have it set to max as well. I do get a little distortion but I know its because my stock speakers cant handle my new head unit and the fact I like playing music really loud.

Taskman

I understand your firewire out to the belkin concept, but doesn't the belkin just have a line out on it as well as on the ipod? I can't figure out why it would be that much superior than using the headphone out on the ipod... if this is the case (it's much better, I mean) then I'll buy a belkin...

also, how can I apply that to my home stereo instead of going headphone out to line in on my receiver?

thanks, man

Quote: Originally posted by mvague
I understand your firewire out to the belkin concept, but doesn't the belkin just have a line out on it as well as on the ipod? I can't figure out why it would be that much superior than using the headphone out on the ipod... if this is the case (it's much better, I mean) then I'll buy a belkin...

also, how can I apply that to my home stereo instead of going headphone out to line in on my receiver?

thanks, man

Right well first you have to understand that the headphone jack has to amplify the sound because your head phones are not powered like a home or car reciever. Since this can be quite draining in regards to power portable devices like the ipod do not have powerful amplifiers.

The Belkin uses the firewire port which digitaly releases the music the powered belkin adapter which has the power available to amplify the musi propely.

You want an example just hook up your IPOD to your home reciever through your headphone jack, then plug the ipod into the dock and use the line out on the dock. Just make sure you dont have the volume to high

Of course you asked to hook it up to your reciever. Its #### simple, go to radio shack and pay like 4 bucks for a mini-stero plug(I always forget the exact width) to RCA. You just need to plug the RCA inputs into your reciever. Done deal. Great for parties.

Taskman

mvague,
I am an iPod newbie, so you should probably consider other sources as well, but here's my take on your questions:

- the headphone jack and the line out have different amp sections; my understanding is that the line out provides cleaner sound because of this. On a limb here, but I think the headphone jack has an amp suited for playback via headphones, whereas the line out does not have this amp section. Amplifiers vary greatly in design based on what purpose they serve, and an amplifier used for headphones will provide a different response across the frequencies than the output the line out section. You want flat response across all audible frequencies; if you prefer more bass or treble (or more finely tuned frequency adjustments), it's better to tune this based on receiving a nice flat spectrum. I should note that I have no idea what the headphone jack output looks like versus the line out signal with respect to power across the spectrum. Other forum messages indicate the line out sounds better, which is generally true for A/V equipment.

- use the dock at home and connect RCA to minijack cable to the line out on the dock. For the same reasons as above.

Okay, Taskman beat me to it.

Anyway, my .02 worth.

Later,
Jerry

ok, you guys are great. the missing link in my case: THE DOCK! I knew about the rca cable (have one), etc., but didn't realize that the dock had an output, I thought it was a glorified stand/charger...

thanks!!!!

max