Ok, not being an audio person, what is the differnce between a line
level socket and a headphones socket?
A line level source has a higher voltage or something, and/or runs at
a different impedance. I think. :^)
Is a headphone socket for devices without build in amplifiers? and a
line level socket the opposite?
No, they're both fairly low level signals, even though they're
different. You can, for instance run an amplifier (home stereo, etc)
from a headphone jack though it may not work quite as nicely as a
line level input. Just to confuse the issue. ;^)
Presumably using headphones isn't the cause of the very poor sound
on the line level socket?
Quite possibly - my headphone are very distorted when run from a line
source. (From Mac OS, though.) To check, run the line out to a tape
in (or any other line level input, not phono) on a stereo system with
the appropriate adapter cables and see what it sounds like there.
NRH
--
Playing an unamplified electric guitar is like strumming on a picnic
table. - Dave Barry, "The Snake"