Car Stereos: Car Audio Quality, thumb drive, adapter cable

Question
Hi, I have a question about quality, I have an Alpine iDa-
x303, pushing 3x300-350Watt woofers via a pioneer amp.
What I cant figure out is why my ipod, when used through the
USB cable, cracks, pops and gives poor quality at high
volume when my thumb drive gives fine quality much farther
up.
Is there something I should do or is this simply a property
of the devices?
P.S. I HATE flash drives, as the banking takes so long I am
often at my destination before I can identify songs to play,
unlike my auto loading iPod.  

Answer
Hi Josh,

This isn't a problem I've heard of with these head units in the past.  I'm wondering if you might have a problem with the USB cable or iPod adapter cable that connects your iPod to the unit's USB port.  Are you using the cable and adapter that was included with the head unit, or your own cable?

Unfortunately, I don't have any other ideas for solving your problem.  You might want to consider contacting Alpine directly for support, at (800) 257-4631.  

Sorry I can't be more helpful!

Brian