Output Voltage
Output voltage is the voltage delivered at the specified signal or power output under its stated conditions.
Also called: Rated Output
Its meaning depends on the output’s role. Audio reference levels, DC supply rails and regenerated AC mains must remain distinct, with connector and measurement conditions retained.
Output Voltage — Power Supply
For an external supply, this field describes one DC output rail provided to the powered component. It is separate from the mains input and from output-current capacity.
Compare voltage, polarity and connector requirements before matching equipment. Keep selectable-voltage options and multiple rails identified separately. A ripple or noise voltage is not the supply’s nominal DC output.
Output Voltage — Reel-to-Reel
For a reel-to-reel machine, output voltage describes the analogue line signal at a specified reference recording or operating condition. It helps match the following line input.
Compare reference level, output connector and RMS or decibel convention. Keep nominal output separate from a maximum clipping level; a headphone output or DC supply connection is a different measurement.
Output Voltage — Power Regenerator
For a power regenerator, this is the AC voltage delivered to connected equipment. Any output-frequency or tolerance condition belongs with it.
Compare the intended load equipment’s supply requirements with the selected output. Input voltage, output power in volt-amperes and percentage voltage regulation describe different properties; none should be read as the output-voltage value.
Output Voltage — Cartridge
For a cartridge, output voltage describes the generator signal at the stated test condition, commonly a frequency and groove velocity. Optical or strain-gauge designs need their own published condition retained.
Compare equivalent test conditions and units when matching a phono stage. A value at one groove velocity should not be treated as directly equal to one measured at another. Cartridge impedance and recommended loading are separate quantities.
Output Voltage — Tape Deck
For a cassette deck, output voltage describes the line-output level under the stated reference playback or test condition. It is not the electrical supply voltage.
Compare the same reference level and output connection with the receiving input. A maximum output and a nominal recorded-level result can differ, and headphone output should not be substituted for the line-output rating.
Output Voltage — Tuner
For a tuner, output voltage describes the analogue audio level at the specified broadcast or test condition. It helps establish the signal sent to a preamplifier or other line input.
Compare the same modulation or reference condition and output connector. A variable-output setting may change the delivered level. Keep maximum clipping output and headphone-output ratings separate from the stated reference line level.
Output Voltage — Optical Equalizer
For an optical-cartridge equalizer, this describes its rated audio output at the published reference condition. The partner cartridge and output connector can affect the stated value.
Compare the same RCA or XLR connection and reference condition. A maximum level before clipping is a separate rating. On a combined unit, keep the optical-cartridge path distinct from another phono input’s output.