Could you have been connecting the line level inputs to the headphone out? If there is amplification, that would probably give you the sound results you describe.

If you already have line in connections run, you might want to test the setup with a known component (non-portable), just to see if there are any sound or cable problems elsewhere. Also, this will give you an idea of what kind of level setting you need from that input line through the empeg into your amp.

Paul G.
SN# 090000587 (40GB Green)