Tape input on preamp - Can I use for other sources

Kr4, you state:

Some are tape head inputs which are like phono inputs in that they have much greater gain and special EQ compared to line level inputs.

I never heard of such an input on a consumer preamp. To what are you referring?

Joeylawn36111, true, in most cases. However, some E.A.R. integrateds have a "phono input" that is just for labeling of the source selector knob...actually, only a line level input requiring an additional phono preamp. There may also be other preamps or integrateds that use this labeling system as well!

Swampwalker, so do you recall the exact function of this input? Or was it just labeling done to prevent confusion of the conventionally used "tape/source" or "source/monitor loop on" switch designation?

Naperaudio, I'll bet that the "tape" input is just a labeling configuration for ease of use of the source selector knob. You should be able to use ANY line level source [see my comments about the E.A.R. integrated]. Why not just contact Thor?

Kal & Swampwalker, I am familiar with the direct tape head input, but on professional studio equipment [Ampex units]. It's been a long time, but I think that they required a patch cord of some type, not simple RCA connections. I cannot image putting a tape head EQ input and circuitry into a home consumer product.

Swampwalker, looks like you're right! I did some additional research [tonight I'm feelin' funky...just listening to jazz and browsing the internet!] and found a reference to this unit having both a tape input AND a tape head input. There's one for sale on eBay, and after enlarging a crappy picture, I can see some sort of unusual connection, in the center of the back panel, that looks like it may be the tape head input.

There's actually an Agon member that has a SX-1000TW for sale. Maybe he could verify this. I don't feel like bugging him, though.