Expert opinions only ... please help!

Ok ... I have Pioneer TS-6975's connected to a Pioneer PEH-1015 ... the stock one in the City 2001.

The deck wasnt at all able to habdle the speakers ... but with the IPOD I got same volume as cassete on 25+ on 10-12 volume. Quality was better too ...

But at 12 the bass got distorted ... the speakers needed an amp (they need 80watt nominal (300max)... the deck can only give 20watts(45max))

So ... I got an amplifier today.

HTG 800watt max ... giving 75watts to each channel RMS/nominal.

The deck is performing very well on the tape now ... bass very clear mids good and tweets crisp.

But ... now the Ipod kit is being the problem ... its just too goddamn loud ... I take it to 10 and the volume gets so loud that the speakers might bust if used like that for a long time. Also ... strangely ... the quality isnt that good as the tape now (well ... tape needs higher volume for that loudness but it soounds much better) ... and the sound getting a bit distorted. Im using a cheap chinese cassete adapter btw. The audio guy recommended to ditch the ipod and get a CD source unit ... or changer.

Is the iPOD not a good solution ? Or should I change the kit to a branded Belkin one ? Or use an FM transmitter. If that is the problem I can try these before buying ... and get those without much hassle. The CD source ... I cant get now.

I noticed that if I use CD unit ... the volume doesnt go so loud at 10-12 ... and quality is clear when taken higher (tried one at the guys shop ... DEH-1750)

So guys ??? Can I get that iPod to work good in the car ? Or is the CD my only good hope.