[Wayner]

I'm just curious about how much these features get used across the board. Don't read anything into this, it's just my own curiosity. I do record out of the preamp on occasion and I do have the tape buffer option in the one preamp that I use for recording.

I never use the EPL (external processor loop), the mute function or the filter. I however, do like the stereo/mono buttons to help diagnose problems or quiet a noisy FM station from time to time.

Wayner

[Minn Mark]

Wayner,
My Insight EC pre does not have the buffered tape option, but I do use the tone filter, especially when listening to 78's (otherwise usually OFF), I always have the low gain ON (although the effect is pretty subtle to my ears). I do have a cassette recorder (TEAC Z-6000)  and it works great with the Insight EC. I have even taken the headphone output signal into my Roland 24 track digital studio deck and captured great material to CD that way. I have used the EPL in the 'reverse channels' mode suggested in the owner's manual, and presently am using the EPL to send a second phono (dedicated for 78's) through my 1980's vintage SAE pre-amp to make use of the parametric EQ to take additional noise out of the old shellac's.

I upgraded to Insight EC, Insight 440H and Insight DAC some time back, and have been extremely pleased.

Will look forward to seeing posts as to how others are using these features.

Regards,

Mark

[Tone Depth]

Besides the great sound quality, the flexibility features of the EC preamp are the main reason to get that chassis.  I've used the recording features extensively for analog cassette and reel to reel recording, and intend to use them for analog to digital recording.  I use the mute continually to decrease the sensitivity and expand the range of my volume control, due to the somewhat higher efficiency of my speakers.  I sometimes use the tone controls to tame a few CDs.  I sometimes use the filter and/or EPL with a dynamic noise filter for a few noisy sources:  some FM.  I sometimes use the stereo/mono in to check adjustments to my speaker positioning.

[Dan Kolton]

I use all three of these features, although I generally don't use the EPL for its intended function, but as a true mute switch.  The "mute" (actually gain reduction) switch has a much more subtle effect with the remote volume control than the stepped variety because of a different taper on the pot.  The EPL is useful for some A-B comparisons such as interconnects.

[orthobiz]

I use the stereo/mono features. Recently found out that "reprocessed for stereo" means boosted highs in one channel and boosted lows in the other. Boy do the Mono L and Mono R buttons show how that shoddy effect is achieved!

I used to use the mute button but now I have Frank's greatest invention: the volume/mute remote!

I use the low filter on some records and have been meaning to ask the frequency and rolloff curves for that button.

Basically, I could have bought the SL but not having the features would make me feel like I wasn't in full control!

Paul

[mark funk]

I would say 99% of the time I use the power switch and the volume control, the other 1% for changing sources and cycling
the rocker switches.

                                                                               

[boycephoto]

I have an Insight+EC.  I do use the tape monitor on a regular basis.  I have a Nakamichi cassette desk and I still make tapes for my summer car, it does not have a cd player.  I don't care for most of the local FM stations so I usually listen to a tape while driving.  I did use the mute switch when I had an OmegaStar EC.  I liked having more control of the volume, most of the time I don't need full gain of the preamp, I didn't have any noise issues either.  The mute switch does not offer much change with the Insight+EC (Frank says it is by design) so I no longer find it useful.  I rarely use the bass or treble controls.  I sent my preamp to be upgraded to the current Insight+ in July and I made one large mistake.  I should have added remote.  Well definately with the next upgrade. 

Dave

[Brett Buck]

I never use the EPL (external processor loop), the mute function or the filter. I however, do like the stereo/mono buttons to help diagnose problems or quiet a noisy FM station from time to time

  As mentioned above, I also use the EPL as a true mute button. The actual mute button doesn't really drop the volume dramatically enough to hold a phone conversation or answer the door, for me at least. I use the filter button fairly frequently with the TV as a source, which has led to some embarrassing but dramatic hi-fi demonstrations when I forgot it was on.  I use the mono button very rarely but it is useful to have. I occasionally use the tone controls for troubleshooting, experiments, etc.

     Brett

[Listens2tubes]

I use tape 1 out and in to my desktop computer soundcard and tape 2 out to my Berringer UFO-202 RCA to usb converter/laptop.

Neal 

[floresjc]

I don't use the EPL, but I have the remote option with a mute button which I use quite a bit (given the limited time I've owned mine). I've messed around with the tone controls a tad, but I wouldn't say I use them in any practical situation, just simply testing out the new ride. I haven't messed with the stereo/mono or the filter yet, although I might try the stereo/mono thing today. I use the low gain switch quite a bit, because paired with a double 440, I can't turn the knob very much before the volume is way loud. I'm not sure if leaving low gain on all the time is a bad thing or messes with the sound quality at all. My guess is no.

One thing I'd like to figure out is how to listen to my headphones without the speakers also playing at the same time. I grabbed my Grado's yesterday figuring I'd check out that feature, but I couldn't figure out how to make the speakers quiet while keeping headphone sound, they are either both on or off. On some of my other gear, its an auto mute for the speakers when phones are detected.

[tgp06]

floresjc-
Don't turn the power amp on. The speakers will then be silent while you listen to the headphones through the preamp headphone jack.

[floresjc]

floresjc-
Don't turn the power amp on. The speakers will then be silent while you listen to the headphones through the preamp headphone jack.

Wow, such a simple and elegant solution, I honestly did not think about that at the time. Problem solved! Of course, this is my first ever purchase of separates, so turning on each piece is somewhat new to me.