Depending on the device that you're plugging the player into at home, you should have the Empeg's volume at 0dB (Line Level). If I hook my player up at home with a volume setting below about -15dB, I get noise, too. As it's a line-level source, you shouldn't need to change the Empeg's volume from 0dB, much like a "component" CD or tape player, which typically don't even have volume controls.
Hope this helps...if not, don't yell too loud.

_~= Dearing =~_
"WAY too happy about having #99."