is there any benefits on using my iphone with a Kenwood KCA-iP300V cable compared with using a standar 3.5mm cable connected directly to the ipod audio port on the back of the HU???? thanks

This sure isn't the right forum, but I'll take a crack (note: this is from my bad memory of my Kenwood install 3 years ago).

iPod Cable

Pros:

Will let you control the iPhone from your stereo.

Will charge the iPhone.

Will usually sound better than the phono jack

Cons:

More expensive.

Will not allow you to receive calls (not sure on this so check it).

Will not allow you to control the device locally (this may have been addressed).

Regular 3.5 cable

Pros:

You can control the iPhone locally

You can receive calls

You can adjust volume via the iPhone

Cheaper

Cons:

Does not charge

Can intruduce static

Check out reviews on Crutchfield or Amazon and usually people will tell you what it can and cannot do.

Good luck!

is the audio difference really big?? like can i notice the difference?

The bummer about the iPod/iPhone is that there is no true digital out. Even the doc puts out an analog signal from what I have found which is a result of copy right agreements

That said, there is not a huge difference at all but sometimes you can get a crackle when adjusting the volume as deposits build up on the connections.

My advice would be to go to radio shack and spend $3 on a phono cable and try it out. Worst case you return it or eat the $3 .

Or get an ebay ipod cable and have the best of both worlds. its 7 bucks and i love mine