Ipod & Tivoli iPal question?

Any audio or "power drain" differences would be negligible. Even an "audiophile" with "golden ears" would be hard pressed to hear a difference through a $20,000 stereo system (regarding the two outputs), let alone a little monophonic box/amp speaker. I don't mean any offense. I think for its size the iPal is probably the best on the market, but if you are concerned with sound quality you might consider the necessary bulk of a stereo (left and right speaker are separated) sound reproduction system, instead.

I can see a convenience factor in using the volume controlled output because your singular hand-held device (the iPod) acts as both a control for track selection and volume. You don't have to fiddle with two devices in different locations, just one.