Vintage McIntosh C21 (tube), C22 (tube, C24 (ss) and C28 (ss) preamplifiers had both tape inputs and tape head inputs to accommodate their different equalization curves. A very small number of semi pro tape decks had separate tape head outputs back in the day. When McIntosh reissued the C22 a few years back they omitted the tape head input.and replaced it with a phono input. Likewise the early Dynaco preamps had both tape and tape head inputs. Today there is a small number of analog purists seeking out and rebuilding these semip pro decks while others are making modifications to provide them on other decks. Today to obtain a modern tape head preamplifier of the 6 or 8 out there be prepared to spend from $4,000 to $29,000. If you want to appreciate their interest in this go to the next major audio show and listen to a pro tape deck like the Sudder playing a real studio master recording at at 15 or 30 ips. It is to die for !!!
Tape input on preamp - Can I use for other sources
Hi,
A simple question......can I use the tape input on my preamp for other line level souce components (tuner, CD, etc). I don't have the preamp owners manual to refer to.
I thought I could but someone I talked to mentioned that the tape input was 'equalized' differently for a tape decks' performance (true/false)?
Many thanks for your reply!
A simple question......can I use the tape input on my preamp for other line level souce components (tuner, CD, etc). I don't have the preamp owners manual to refer to.
I thought I could but someone I talked to mentioned that the tape input was 'equalized' differently for a tape decks' performance (true/false)?
Many thanks for your reply!