[pika122689]

What are the benefits as opposed to just connecting it to a RCA-mini into the amp?

 

[Honkymagoo]

Using the line out dock bypasses the internal amp in the Ipod. You get a cleaner signal.

 

[freckling]

if you're willing to use a real amp for your ipod, then it's worth it to spend $20 on a LOD

 

[Podtweaker]

Seeing as how the other posters answered your question in a roundabout way the short answer is you can use a mini . It will sound better, but I find it absolutely ridiculous to argue w/ the previous posters logic. Anyone who uses a non Ipod DAP would love to be able to use an LOD as this method of connection more closely mimics the way source components are connected to amplification sources in a good system. Plug & play high resolution audio or video(without any previous knowledge of what 'real' high res is) is one of those silly myths that the average consumer loves to believe in.

 

[Oya?]

If you're really intent on using the dock line-out on the iPod, buy a male dock plug with a built-in female mini jack. Something like SendStation docks (expensive!), or buy one off eBay (cheaper, something like $15). This way you can use whatever mini-to-RCA cables you already have.

 

[audible]

In other words, yes.

 

[frequencyhz]

so is the dock line out not loud enough to power headphones without an amp?
(or not enough juice as some would put it?)

 

[Orcin]

Probably not, plus you can't control the volume.