Have just finished installing the 990/7500 in my rack. Also aquired a Kensington Entertainment Dock 500 for my 5th Gen. iPod (non video).

Now after rolling it all back in place, I find the iPod audio to be very low in zone 1 and not coming through at all on zone 2. (All other audio functions seem to work in the 2nd zone but the iPod.) I hooked it to the "Aux In" of the 990. Should I have hooked it to a video input?

Thanks; Boiling here in Maine.....

When you hooked it to "aux in" did you connect analog, or does the Kensington have a digital output? It needs to be analog for zone 2. Either way, I'd check the volume setting on the iPod to make sure it's not turned down - it's not real clear from the Kensington page , but a note in the FAQ indicated that the line output level may be tied to the iPod's volume setting.

I have a third gen iPod hooked up to the Aux In via the origional iPod docking station with analog inputs and it works great in both zones. The third gen dock connection is direct and not affected by the iPod volume level.

Not familiar with the Kensington but I would check the things gonk suggested as it seems that may be the problem. Also I know it sounds simplistic but make sure you have the correct source selected on the zone 2 menu, I made that mistake a couple weeks ago and it drove me crazy until I figured out I had inadvertantly selected the wrong inout.

Sorry, double post

Thanks for the reply Gonk. I've done more "experimenting" and found the audio levels to be the same on any 990 input when connected to the Kensington dock. And yes the iPod volumn is at max. When I use an RCA connector into the 990 aux. input (or video input), out of the iPods headphone jack, all audio system volumns are "normal" and I get Zone 2 output. Looks like the $70 Kensington dock wasn't a good choice. Like to hear how others have made the iPod/990 connection.

For what it's worth, I've taken the cheap route since I rarely hook the iPod to the 990 and just have a cable that I hook the headphone output to.

I would suggest using the Apple Universal iPod Dock . Unfortunately it would require an additional purchase but I am using one with very good results, if you listen to your iPod alot I think it is worth the 40 bucks.

Yeah the headphone jack-to-RCA cables is the best route I've found for my Sandisk Sansa (I despise the iPod!). And it's like $4. No use in wasting money on useless iPod accessories to do something simple (another reason I despise an iPod).

Okay, iPod rant over...get just get the cable and hook it to the AUX input on the 990. Works like a charm.

Though you may not care for the iPod there are several advantages to the docking unit:

1. You don't run the battery down with the docking unit it runs from wall outlet.

2. The output signal is stronger thru the dock output.

3. You can use a remote with the dockoutput to control the iPod.

I agree there are alot of crappy aftermarket accessories for the iPod but the docking unit is not one of them.

I've also heard that the iPod's dock connection offers better sound quality than the rather mediocre headphone amp that you've got through the iPod's headphone jack. Since I don't have a dock, I haven't ever tested that, but it wouldn't surprise me.

That's absolutely true gonk, much better quality through the dock output. I should have added that to my list of advantages.

It always surprises me that people will spend a fair amount of money on certain parts of their system and scrimp in other areas and then wonder why it just doesn't sound as good as they feel it should. Remember they call it a "system".

Wow I'd feel kinda ripped off if I bought an iPod only to find out that the headphone jack delivers sub par sound quality.

But if adding the dock does deliver better sq plus gives wireless remote access then it's definitely a cool thing.

But the battery issue is a non-issue for me with the Sansa, it does not use propreitary batteries. It will go 16 hours on a AAA and I can't think of any situation where'd I'd need more than 16 constant hours

I have the kingston dock and had the same volume problem. you have to increase the volume of the kingston with the remote. It is not the same as increaseing the volume of the ipod.

I appreciate all the "input" to my iPod connection problem! billyTHEkid, thanks for directing me to the solution! The volume control on the Kingston dock 500 remote does indeed control the audio output level of the dock. (Had I read the troubleshooting guide maybe...). We now have "normal" audio output on all 990 functions including Zone 2.

Just another example of how this forum is an invaluble tool to all! Thanks again, now for some serious listening!

Glad to hear you were able to get a solution to the problem without having to spend more money. Enjoy your new setup!

What type of cable do you use to connect the line out from the ipod dock to the 990?

Thanks.

I have an inexpensive "Y" RCA cable - I think I got at radio shack, works fine no reason for high dollar cable there.

I was previously using a Monster Y cable (was a gift) from the headphone out to the stereo.

This, of course, didn't take advantage of the line out audio advantages (the whole reason I'm looking into the dock). Will this cable work with the line out output?

I guess my question is, is the line out jack the same as the headphone jack?

Thanks.

It should work fine, both outputs are the same type.