Just bought the avic8000nex a couple weeks ago and I LOVE this head unit....

Was wondering which lightning cable is better? The CD IU52 or Apple's?

Ive been using my Apple Lightning cable. Seems to work fine. Full control of the ipod music.

not to sure what the difference would be. Maybe just because its a pioneer brand cable i guess.

There really is no difference between the cables just pioneer charge.  Only difference is Apple sells it for $21 and pioneer sells it for $35

I actually bought two of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MW6HRO/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and two of these (amazing quality):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A47AWBQ/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then i ran the two USB extension cables through the center console of my SUV and mounted them inside the little glove box in there. Then i used the coiled lightening cables to connect to my 2 ipods/iphone and then mounted the iPods together using (fact to face since they are flat and produce no real heat) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SZVAGA/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It holds two iPods perfectly. I can pull one out if i need to and the coiled cable stretches just fine. it doesn't take up a ton of space in my glove box when i put it back. It also helps if i need to connect my iPhone to USB1 to charge it. i can still use it just fine while in the drivers seat thanks to the coiled lightning cable.

So this cable works other than the apple brand nice.