stereo + ipod help

I have been noticing that the volume on my stereo kinda sucks, and then the wife even mentioned it.

This year I added an Aux input so I could run an MP3 player. I went with the 3mm jack input, so I could run anyone's player(and link boats when desired). This input was an ebay purchase that was about $5, not the recomended input from the Mfr. I have adjusted the ASL (aux sound levels) and still it is noticeably less loud as compared to a CD.

Is there anything else that I can do to improve the sound levels on the player?
Am i just stuck with using CD's when I really want to hear the music


head unit is panasonic (i think it's a DEH 3800)

Look through the H/U's menu for and "AUX" input level. I like to use the Clarion, and they have a LOW, MED, and HI setting.

if you're using the 3mm jack, this may or may not be your problem...but check it either way...check your eq setting on your ipod and set it to "off" after that go to "volume limit" under "settings" in your ipod and make sure its all the way up...after you got that set...pick your song and turn your radio up as loud as you would on your cds...then turn the volume up on your ipod. when using a 3mm jack as your input it works the same way that you listen to it with headphones so make sure your volume is up on the ipod. kind of a simple solution and you might have already done that, if so then dont listen to a work i just said haha!