this is my second "hifi" rig. i'm still developing, but i've got good soundstage, imaging,and bass response. highs are detailed and clear. i am currently working on my AC. i'm in a condo, and it is dirty.
I just purchased some SignalCable iPod interconnects. I'd say your experience with the volume drop is related to the iPod and/or dock and not the interconnects. I experienced the same thing. Fortunately, my amp can be run with or without negative feedback, and without negative feedback I get a 6dB boost which helps the iPod volume.
