What kind of results should I expect if I were to plug an iPod straight into a car amplifier (then plugged to speakers, obviously) and ditch the head unit alltogether?
Since I very rarely listen to radio while driving anyways, wouldn't this be an interesting solution? I'd keep all the iPod interface (especially if it's a Touch!), and not have to bother with a crappy head unit ...

 

get the ALO line out dock.

 

Yeah, the ALO kicks butt, but if he gets that, with his hope to drop the head unit, how's he gonna control the volume??