Has anyone used the Arkon CM170 to mount their iPod? It looks like perfect solution: http://www.arkon.com/ipodaccessories.html , but I wondered if there was any change in sound quality, etc. vs. using the standard Belkin adapter with the volume knob on it. Thanks in advance for any help!

A fairly interesting design that may meet your needs well. A few questions I would ask:
1. Can you use a silicone skin protector with the iPod and still use the cradle? I have always used a skin for my iPod and cannot imagine not using one since I take it pretty much everywhere.
2. Is the extension arm to the lighter socket long enough to clear a portion of the Element's shelf so you can see the iPod around the bend on the right side of the head unit?
3. Is the audio out without the amplification provided by the Belkin loud enough to decently power your speakers, especially if you have upgraded the stock speakers in your Element?

Subjectively, I'm not too impressed with the "look" of the Arkon, a little too chunky, a lot too white-especially in the Element interior, but then I have a solid black skin on my iPod and a black Bracketron/Freeway PDA mount. These days I would also check out the ProClip mount.
I also like the additional amplification provided by the Belkin, plus I can use it with a skin.
Let us know what you find out.

It should be OK. Just using the dock connector for the sound output is 100x stronger than using the jack for headphones. The dock connector provides unfiltered music (bass and volume) compared to the headphone jack. This is done on purposes to not blow up headphones and make them sound terrible.

The Belkin unit does not amply the music it merely has a volume knob on it. Which you need to set around the mid-range or you will probably blow your stock speakers in the E :)

I use the Belkin and it works great.

As mentioned I would worry about it clearing the dash.

The Belkin unit does not amply the music it merely has a volume knob on it. Which you need to set around the mid-range or you will probably blow your stock speakers in the E :)
Say what? Of course the Belkin has an amplifier in line. You don't notice this in your usage? To quote the Belkin site (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=149006)
"The Auto Kit also provides an adjustable amplifier and 3.5mm audio-out jack that lets you play your iPod through your car stereo or other audio equipment"

Thanks for the help. Yeah, the unit is pretty ugly, but I don't care for the look of the Bracketron either, so I'll keep looking. I have a very good skin/case/mounting system from Extreme-Mac but it's adhesive, worked great in my previous car, but not good enough for the E.

And yes, the Belkin unit does have an amp.