iPod iPod Dock Output?

The dock has a line level output. So it won't overload the inputs on a stereo.

The guy at the store is right. You will get a proper and cleaner line-level signal from the dock... the headphone jack is noisier and isn't the correct impedance for line-level, leading to treble roll-off and other problems.

Basically, the output from the pins at the bottom of the iPod which connect to the dock, take the signal from before the headphone amp and volume control of the Nano.

I realize I'm joining this thread a little late, but what about docks with line-level output vs. those with variable audio output? docks with variable audio output allow you to control the volume remotely through the dock, whereas line-level output is supposedly higher quality; however, is the difference noticeable?

Reason I'm asking: I had been connecting to my stereo through though the headphone port, and noticed I had to turn the volume on the ipod all the way up to get decent sound. I recently got a dock (Keyspan AV dock) with a remote which includes volume control, and the sound strength (with the dock volume maxed out) is comparable to the sound I was getting directly through the headphone port; it may be my imagination, but the sound through the headphone port actually sounds a little stronger.

I was expecting a much more improved sound through the dock vs. directly through the headphone port. Would getting a dock with line-level output result in any further noticeable improvement? (and if so, any recommendations?)