Belkin vs Monster for iPod integration

[snid]

I had been using the Belkin auto kit with my dockable iPod for a while. But, I got frustrated with it a few days ago. Perhaps mine is just a bad seed and the majority of them are fine. But, I was having issues with the volume control on it, which I always thought was a silly idea. After all, do I really need three volume (on the auto kit thingy, the aux level on the head unit, and the volume control on the head unit) controls between the iPod and my speakers? When I'd adjust the volume on the auto kit thingy with that little dial, I'd get static. I'd have to hope and pray that I could find a spot where the volume was close to what I wanted and there was no static. Also, when I'd adjust the volume the contrast on the iPod display would change. So, not only was I getting a questionable sound signal, I was also getting a questionable power supply.

So, I picked up one of the Monster Cable connectors which also provides power and audio out. But, no silly, unneccessary volume control. I think the sounds quality from the Monster piece is much better than that of the Belkin. But, the Monster piece is not without its issues.

I'm using the Belkin Tune Dok to hold my iPod. The Monster charger's dock connector doesn't fit in the hole in the bottom of the Tune Dok. I was about to practice some surgery on the Tune Dok to get it to fit, but my friend realized that I could just use to Tune Dok "upside down" so there was no plastic on the new bottom of the Tune Dok. That seems to be working. The suction cup on the Tune Dok seems to be strong enough to hold the iPod in all by itself.

The other issue with the Monster charger is that the audio out is on the dock connector, not the power thing like on the Belkin. Because of this, I needed to get a small 90 degree headphone adapter piece. It would make much more sense with a picture, and I'll add one later.

So, the Monster charger is not perfect, but the sound quality (and possibly power quality) are better than with the Belkin auto kit, at least using the ones that I have.

[paa100]

If it has no volume output can you tell me if it works with the power and ignition off. My Belkin irritates me that I cant have the Ipod on without the ignition on - when I am parked up for example. I can have my Harmon Boost on but no sound from the Ipod as its internal amp is not powered. I dont understand why teh Belkin needs one anyway and this seems to counteract having a nice clean line out from the ipod. I suspect that might be why the Monster sounds better.

[Xanthia]

I don't have the Monster Cable, but I do have a SiK Imp which is pretty much the same (except white, and can use it with my tune dok). I can use it while there is power to my car, but it doesn't have to be running. I believe that both the Monster and the Imp both have noise filters as well. I have an aftermarket HU which I don't think works with power off, so I haven't tried using it that way. But I'm sure that the line out works fine with no power, as it's purely just a line out.

[snid]

Yup, the monster cable one does work with the key out of the ignition or with the power adapter thing out of the lighter (which the Belkin does not).

Here's a picture, notice that the Tune Dok is "upside down". Since the tilt of the Tune Dok is adjustable, you can make it work this way.

[mtlee]

I've been using my Belkin for about 2 months now with no static or contrast-altering issues. I agree with the irritation about having to have the ignition on, but otherwise it's worked out great for wire routing, etc.

I had to monkey with the volumes on the three components a bit (i.e. the iPod, the Belkin and the AUX in level), but now that's done with.

I'd recommend exchanging your Belkin as a faulty unit.

Mike

[paa100]

Quote: Originally Posted by snid

Yup, the monster cable one does work with the key out of the ignition or with the power adapter thing out of the lighter (which the Belkin does not).

Here's a picture, notice that the Tune Dok is "upside down". Since the tilt of the Tune Dok is adjustable, you can make it work this way.

Thanks.

I'll get one of them.

It looks to fit much flusher - the Belkin sticks up a lot! A have one of those cubby hole shlfs and teh belkin only just fits.

Other than this and the ignition thing though I must say that the Belkin works great once you have balanced all teh inputs and outputs. No static and no crackle. Just needs a bit of patience. If your is that bad, I would suspect a bad unit and get it changed .... as above. I'm going to try a Monster one.

[paa100]

Tested my newly acquired Monster. Sound quality better than Belkin. More CD like now. I have a spare Belkin if anybody would like one.

[boblbee]

heyhey all,

i just bought the monster charger for my ipod.. i like it a lot more then the belkin one.. because it's black!!!! and it have the lights green yellow red

anyway i have got a diy aux cable.. and normally it works perfect but when i use the charger it doesn't work.. i have hear from a dutch forum that the original aux cable doesn't have this problem.. really strange,,,, is the only one solution to go and buy the originall one???
hope u guys can give me some back up!!!


happy new year


Boblbee