[Stu Pitt]

Maybe I'm missing something?  It seems like everything with a pre-amp in it (stand alone, integrateds, receivers) have tape loops.  Why?  I'm pretty sure 99% of people haven't recorded anything onto cassette tape for close to a decade now.

I think some people used the tape loop to connect equalizers.  But wouldn't they be better between the pre and power amp?

Wouldn't eliminating the tape loop cut costs and possibly make the gear sound better by not having extra stuff along the signal path?

Maybe I'm asking the wrong question.  A better question would be what are tape loops commonly used for nowadays?

[rob80b]

Hi Stu,

Mine are always in use with the BP25, wish I had more, headphone amp, HHB830 cd burner (for transferring vinyl to cd), running the source to another pre-amp etc.
Maybe we don't need tape-loops just maybe a few straight through,

Robert

[bunnyma357]

A few uses are to add a tube buffer that can be used when you feel like it. Another is to send the analog signal to an Analog to Digital converter, so that you can rip vinyl for use on digital systems.

Another use would be to use a tape loop as a second zone, I use a tape loop to feed an FM transmitter that will then play the same source on all radios in the house. That way my wife can listen to her Audiobooks, CD's or satellite/internet "talk radio" anywhere in the house while she gets ready for work.


Jim C

[Phil A]

I was using mine for the DVD recorder at one point so I could rip analog sound from another source.

[Phil A]

To give one example what I used it for - In 2005 I went to Europe and shot video on a mini-DV camcorder.  I have "European Vacation" on LD.  As a goof for when I showed it to people, I spliced in scenes from the movie at appropriate points and transfered it to DVD.  For example, when I was taping at Stonehenge, I say "I'll get the car."  The next scene is the car accidentally (driven by Chevy Chase of course) knocking down Stonehenge.  It made for an amusing showing  at a party.  I just ordered a VHS player from Woot (for $29.99 + $5.00 shipping) with (mono) audio and (composite) video inputs and outputs and a USB output so if I need to transfer an analog audio and video source to the PC I can.  It is more for fun.  I've also made copies (onto DVD) of home made VHS tapes for people using a tape loop as well.

[werd]

Hey Stu

the tape monitor input sits conveniently right next to the volume control and ahead of all the other inputs and switches. The tape mon on the bp25/26 is nice and what i use with my bda-1. i use my BDA as a source control. Well actually i have my bcd in it right now but will be reverting back to bda eventually. You should try it an a main input. A little harder to drive than the other inputs and 10k but still easy enough for pretty much everything.

[doug s.]

Maybe I'm missing something?  It seems like everything with a pre-amp in it (stand alone, integrateds, receivers) have tape loops.  Why?  I'm pretty sure 99% of people haven't recorded anything onto cassette tape for close to a decade now.

I think some people used the tape loop to connect equalizers.  But wouldn't they be better between the pre and power amp?

Wouldn't eliminating the tape loop cut costs and possibly make the gear sound better by not having extra stuff along the signal path?

Maybe I'm asking the wrong question.  A better question would be what are tape loops commonly used for nowadays?

i wouldn't consider a preamp w/o a tape loop.  i like to run my dbx 3bx dynamic range expander.  sometimes.  i don't want it in the signal path when i am not using it.  others feel the same way w/other outboard processors.  your example of an eq is similar - if you don't always want it in the signal path, you don't want it between amp & preamp.  better to have it in the tape loop than disengaging it at the eq.

ymmv,

doug s.

[Stu Pitt]

Interesting replies.  I guess I was missing something.  Thanks!

[werd]

Maybe I'm missing something?  It seems like everything with a pre-amp in it (stand alone, integrateds, receivers) have tape loops.  Why?  I'm pretty sure 99% of people haven't recorded anything onto cassette tape for close to a decade now.

I think some people used the tape loop to connect equalizers.  But wouldn't they be better between the pre and power amp?

Wouldn't eliminating the tape loop cut costs and possibly make the gear sound better by not having extra stuff along the signal path?

Maybe I'm asking the wrong question.  A better question would be what are tape loops commonly used for nowadays?

i wouldn't consider a preamp w/o a tape loop.  i like to run my dbx 3bx dynamic range expander.  sometimes.  i don't want it in the signal path when i am not using it.  others feel the same way w/other outboard processors.  your example of an eq is similar - if you don't always want it in the signal path, you don't want it between amp & preamp.  better to have it in the tape loop than disengaging it at the eq.

ymmv,

doug s.

yes a tape mon and a mono switch too

[doug s.]

yes a tape mon and a mono switch too

my preamp has 6 inputs, two tape loops, and yes - a mono switch, too.  dual mono w/remote that controls both wolume pots.  and, sorry - it also has something i am not sure y'all bryston folks can understand - tubes!   

doug s.

[rob80b]

The 12B was a great pre-amp for flexibility and rerouting, also has a MM/MC phono.
I'm still tempted to pickup one on the used market, saw one the other day for less than $300.

Robert