[Dave L]

I regularly use my Ipod though a dock on my home stereo (B&W DM602 speakers) and I have no sound complaints. Be sure the EQ on the ipod is set to off. I rip my music at 192kbps but have lots in the standard Itunes 128kbps. For a cable I have a cheap $10 Maxell cable that seems to work fine. I would try adjusting a few settings as it should work just fine.

Once you have it sorted out you might want to get a dock as this will give you IR so you can use a remote. I control mine with a Harmony which does my whole system as well.