How To Test Line Level Output?

[KingBubba]

I have a number of computers attached to different systems and find that the output from the computers are, in general, considerably lower in output than the CDPs and tuners attached to the same systems. When I say considerable I mean with the CDP my volume would be set at around 9:00 or 10:00 visually on the volume dial for a pleasantly loud listening experience. With the computer, to get the same listening experience, I would need the volume knob to be turned up to between 12:00 and 1:00 visually on the control.

Is there a simple method of testing, for comparison purposes, the output of the various devices? Once tested, is there a way to bring the computer line output level up to be relatively the same as the CDP? I thought about using a headphone amp, but I would guess that impedance difference would be an issue.

My fear is that one day I'll be listening to the music from the computer and forget to turn the volume down when switching to the CDP and thereby cause speaker damage or rip my lips off, whichever comes first. Any suggestions?

 

[whoaru99]

A decent multimeter and a test tone recording, say 1kHz, should allow you to measure the CDP and sound card outputs accurately enough.

Problem with a computer is that there are usually at least two or three places where the volume control can be set. So, first thing is to be sure that all the levels in the sound properties are set high enough to drive a decent output level.

If that still isn't enough, then some type of preamp would raise the level. Alternative, you could attenuate the CDP output to lower it relative to the computers.

Of course, the easiest and cheapest is just to be in the good habit turning down volume whenever changing sources.

 

[KingBubba]

I will clarify this by saying all output controls of the computer are at full for comparison purposes. This still leaves the level considerably below the others. Adding a second complete preamp does seem to be a bit much compared to turning down the volume knob.

 

[ferninando]

I'm a consistant volume turner downer when changing anything. but that's just me.

 

[KingBubba]

I too am a turner downer also, but there is always an opportunity for a mistake. I'll try the 1 khz tone metering and see what the difference is. There still has to be a middle of the road option for boosting line level aside from adding a second preamp in the picture.