Why is 3.5mm audio quieter than phono?

[Blades]

I've noticed that when using the line out from my CDX, the signal is a lot weaker than regular AV Equipment (Genesis included). Everything with 3.5mm out sounds like this. My iPod is under line-level.

Why is this so? I always thought that 3.5mm is just the two cables in one tidy little cable.

Is it also worse-sounding in addition to being quieter?

Any help appreciated,
Blades

[Joe Redifer]

It's not quieter by nature, just the way the particular jack is pre-amped (is there a volume control somewhere that's turned down?)

[Blades]

As I said, It's a line-out.

There are two audio outputs on CDX, one with a volume control and another that says line and is not affected by volume controls.

So, they shouldn't be?

[evildragon]

line out is meant to go directly into an audio amplifier.. regular volume controlled output usually uses an op amp or something similar to pre-amp it for your headphones (which in theory is dangerous for your audio amplifier to use)

EDIT: Oh, and line out can be used for those CD to Tape adapters :p

[Blades]

...uhh, any relation at all?

What I was saying is that the CDX and generally all devices that output line-level through 3.5mm sound quieter than phono outputs at line-level.

You have to pump up the volume more on CDX-type devices than phono.

Am I not getting what you're saying? Clarify

Blades

[evildragon]

not all sound equipment are the same...

but generally, line level will ALWAYS be quieter than a pre-amped output..

[Blades]

But all sound equipment which outputs in phono and has no volume control sounds louder than sound equipment which outputs in 3.5mm and has no volume control also.

I'm not comparing to a pre-amped output. For example, A CD Player from the '80s, that sits on the entertainment center like a DVD player. It outputs in line level through phono. Then we have the CDX, which outputs at line-level through 3.5mm

The CDX is quieter than the CD player. both of which are outputting at line-level.

This is confusing...
Blades

[evildragon]

then i don't know.. resistance on the wires?

it's probably for compatibility with audio cassette adapters for use in the car..

[Blades]

lol, Sega has the weirdest ideas.

Who in reality would use a CDX with a cassette adaptor?

[evildragon]

lol, Sega has the weirdest ideas.

Who in reality would use a CDX with a cassette adaptor?
it's a portable CD player standard. most portable CD players have 3.5mm line outs for those adapters...

[Joe Redifer]

I never noticed a volume discrepancy between the different jack types, so it's not accurate to say that "all" RCA-type connectors are louder than "all" 3.5mm jacks.

[Blades]

But A Portable CD Player has volume, so it's not outputting at line.

And Joe, I guess that's true. It's just that in my experience, devices that output in 3.5mm are always quieter unless they have a volume control.

Meh, I guess this thread is stupid. Sorry.

[Joe Redifer]

It's not stupid. I love questions that most people wouldn't think to ask.

[evildragon]

But A Portable CD Player has volume, so it's not outputting at line.

And Joe, I guess that's true. It's just that in my experience, devices that output in 3.5mm are always quieter unless they have a volume control.

Meh, I guess this thread is stupid. Sorry.
a portable CD player usually has TWO outputs.. a pre-amped jack, and a line level jack.. some don't though... a CD players line-out jack is usually desiged for car adapters..

[Blades]

Really?

I've never seen a portable CD player with two outputs. Are you talking about old ones or modern ones?

Blades

[evildragon]

Really?

I've never seen a portable CD player with two outputs. Are you talking about old ones or modern ones?

Blades
old ones usually had them all the time.. i've still seen some modern ones contain dual outputs...