multimeters

I use a Fluke model 70 or 77 for basic ohms and voltage tests and a model 85 for more sophisticated tests.  I am reluctant to try and describe a "how to", but you could start with a web-based tutorial like this one: http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/usingamultimeter.htm

The best suggestion I could probably give is for you to seek out a basic electricity or introduction to electronics course at a local community college or high school.

Unless you know what your doing, its a pain in the arse. If however you want to play with it by all means go ahead. When your using the meter on the amp you'll want to use the AC setting. If you want to get a whole lot of information you could check out my latest post. Theres about 4 pages of information on there. Personally the only thing I woudl suggest about using a multimeter and setting your gains is if you have two amps just use the meter to make sure both amps are set at the same level. Other than that its really not worth your time. (my opinion) Plus you'd have to get a test cd and if you buy one theyre generally aroiund the 25 dollar range. Anyway IO hope this helps and if your honest about doing it check out my post so everyone doesnt have to repeat everything they just typed to me!!!

Cheers

I realize your a professional and using a multimeter for yourself is not a problem what so ever. However for this post I believe it is suitable to say "its really not worth your time:" Reason, as you stated it is not a simple step by step process. Its not something a "beginner" should mess with. I am trying to be helpful and contribute to this forum on topics I think I know at least somewhat or have dealt with. It appears xTimx is in the same relative spot as me when it comes to using a multimeter for setting  gains. Since that is the case does it not seem appropriate to say MY opinion. On the other hand when I spoke to another professinal he stated simply that setting gains with a multimeter and being accurate is nearly impossible due to the fact that at different freqeuncies the amplifier will send different voltages and in turn your have different impedance levels. In other words you can set gains according to the meter at one specific frequency, however at different frequencies the amp will produce different, unmatched voltages. As a side note id like to think of myself as more of an amateur rather than a beginner. I dont play with stereos as a proffesional but it is more of a hobby. I have been playing with stereos since I was about 15. Im 22 now. 7 years may not be a lifetime, and I may not have went to school for it, but it certainly doesnt mean I am a beginner. (a novice, or one who is just beginning)

By no means am I trying to be sarcastic, degrading, or rude. I am simply stating my opinion and my thoughts in regards to the preceding post.

DYohn, I dont want to be looked at as a fool who shouldnt be playing with this stuff, rather a person trying to obtain knowledge. If you feel as though the process escaped me, tell me where I went wrong.

casedeez, I stand by my comments 100%, and judging from the problems you had trying to use a multimeter I also stand by my evaluation that you are indeed a beginner in this area.  This is not a slam, it is an observation.  Please refer to my earlier post in this thread as it may help you in the future as well:

Please look at the tutorial I referenced.  ANYONE who thinks that learning how to do things the correct way is "not worth the time" is, in my opinion, just being lazy.