iPod volume versus laptop volume

Sorry fo rany confusion in my post. It should NOT be hooked up to phono. However, if by losing volume, you mean that for a specific rotation of volume knob, the sound is less for the ipod than for the cdp, that is not unusual and not necessarily a problem.

I beleive your problem is that you are using the wrong output connection. Most ipod users use the HEADPHONE out (miniplug) which is totally wrong in my opinion. You will suffer a large loss in volume and possibly clarity. The headphone out is already amplified and not meant to be amplified again. You end up turning your amp WAY up to the point of possibly straining it when the headphone out signal is amplified.

You should be using the LINE OUT connection which is connected via the docking port (the rectangular 20pin connector). The lineout signal is designed to be amplified - via your stereo or boombox etc. Sounds just great when you use the right signal. Most ipod users will not be able to get to the line out signal unless they buy one of apple's overpriced "docks" for $30. There are almost NO line out cords/connectors on the market - I bought some 30 pin connectors from Sweden and soldered them up to RCA plugs and miniplugs. Soldering those tiny little leads was a real pain.

There's a few people selling cheapo cables on ebay - search for "IPOD 30pin Dock Plug" - I see several on ebay for a couple bucks.

Good catch, gdoodle. I do not use an ipod with my home system, only while traveling. Makes sense to me that that might be the case.