So simple but never really thought of it...
I would say that 99% of the time if I am not listening to sports talk radio, I am listening to the itouch which rarely leaves my center console except to get updated with some songs here and there. Well after always dreaming of better sound in my 528i (I have the base sound system) I just stumbled across the equalizer setting in the ipod and simply changed it from "bass booster" (no idea why it was on that) to "Latin, Classical, Dance" etc and it completely changes the quality of sound inside the car. I am so happy to have found this option lol its the little things in life I guess lol

Hope this helps a few out there who wish sound quality was a little better.....

You just discovered this setting? Have you owned an ipod for long?

I have my iPhone eq set to Rock and the Logic 7 system set to Concert surround, bass at the mid point and treble all the way up.
My eq in the BMW is set to your typical V shape for best audio in my experience anyway.

:)

Lol I know I know.... I've had them forever but it just never crossed my mind.... Like I said sometimes the simplest things or answers are the ones you never check...

You definitely didn't improve the quality, but if you like it better that way then that's great. Basically a pre-amp setting change. I prefer everything flat.

Depending on the Kbps quality you're running out of your iPod the ass end may need some help. Anything at or below 128, if converted poorly, may need it.

Ok so yes technically you didn't change sound quality but you have change the gain of certain frequencies coming through the speakers. I usually keep mine flat too but I alternate sometimes. I know that my FM is better than my AUX and it's not due to resistors.

It's either the quality of the direct analog signal they are transmitting or the digital to analog converter that the radio station is using coupled with the file they are converting. I $200 DAC with a redbook (1441kbps) signal should sound a helluva lot better than the DAC in the ipod working on your 128 or 256kbps files. My iTunes takes the 'lossless' file I have on my external drive and makes a 128k file from it when I transfer.

I try not to worry about it too much, the system being boomy or having the tin sounding highs, since I know if I want to have easy access to my collection it is in a downgraded capacity. FM isn't fair since it's an analog signal with more fidelity than a 16 bit CD. If it is a digital signal they are working with their converter is likely thousands of dollars.

i got my ipods eq on off. they all sound like shit