I was testing my speaker levels at 00 db and then just a bit louder, to 03 db. Accidently switched the tt off, and it went to normal cd output. Man was it LOUD. Pressed mute four secs. later, but nearly blew my speakers. There is NEVER a problem with the test tones at that level, but for normal output (eg CD) it is REALLY loud.

I can't understand why/how the absolute volume reaching the speakers would be that much louder on non testtone (eg CD) output.

Am I correct that normal output is louder than the same volume setting using testtones, or is it just a misperception on my part??