Thinkpads Forum

Hi everyone, first post here. I've been the proud owner of a T60 widescreen for about a week now and am very happy.

One question though - does the headphone on this notebook double as a line-out? The spec sheet for the T60 describes the jack as "headphone/line-out", and I've seen systems in the past that have jacks do double duty like that. So if it is a dual purpose jack, how do I switch it to line-out from the default headphone mode? If it isn't also a true "line-out", then color me disappointed.

Urfed wrote:Hi everyone, first post here. I've been the proud owner of a T60 widescreen for about a week now and am very happy.

One question though - does the headphone on this notebook double as a line-out? The spec sheet for the T60 describes the jack as "headphone/line-out", and I've seen systems in the past that have jacks do double duty like that. So if it is a dual purpose jack, how do I switch it to line-out from the default headphone mode? If it isn't also a true "line-out", then color me disappointed.

Enlighten me as to the difference between headphone and line out jacks. Isn't line out just the same as headphone, but with the volume standardized?

Well yes, basically. But ask anyone who knows anything about stereos and they'll tell you a line-out is far preferable to a headphone out for connecting to a stereo. Or if you have an iPod, try connecting it to your stereo using its headphone output and see how less than ideal it sounds.

So does anyone know if the T60 has a line-out? The spec sheet basically says it does, but I've fiddled with the control panel for sound and audio devices and there's no evidence of a line-out capability.

Line out doesn't change when the volume is changed. The Thinkpad T60 doesn't have an analog Line Out, but the dock does have a S/PDIF connector for pure digital audio output.

There is no standard definition for a line out, but generally speaking it would be an output that puts out around 100mV to 1V with an impedance low enough to match most devices that you would connect to it. In that sense, the T60 has a line out. It is low impedance because it is designed to drive headphones, but it is safe to connect to the line in of other components such as a home receiver. The output level is however not fixed. If you need a fixed output level you need a separate audio hardware solution (docking station or USB adapter). Even on those, though, the overall level is often controlled by a master software mixer control.

I was thinking of getting a Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook card. It's been out for a few years. and has gotten rave reviews. Supposedly it delivers much cleaner sound that is just worlds better than what the standard onboard audio chipset can deliver, although for 99% of people out there it's probably not even a noticeable difference. I'd be getting it just to ensure the cleanest hardwire connection beween my notebook and stereo.

Or I might just bite the bullet and buy an Apple TV!

RonS wrote:Line out doesn't change when the volume is changed. The Thinkpad T60 doesn't have an analog Line Out, but the dock does have a S/PDIF connector for pure digital audio output.

from what i can recall its a simple coaxial cable but does that require anything extra to use or can i plug a cable from that to my av reciever and get rid of my audigy notebook zs as a way of getting SPDIF output?

Yes but you need to be docked.

WPWoodJr wrote:Yes but you need to be docked.

I'm confused by your "yes" answer. Are you saying that the T60 doesn't have a line-out but the optional dock does? I don't have the dock, just the T60 itself.

Correct. The S/PDIF connector is on the dock, not the Thinkpad itself. The Thinkpad has mic in and headphones out.