Tape Monitor Line-Out direct to amplifier solution

While i'm not familiar with the Niles unit that you mention, i don't see a problem with this at all. Only variable that i see coming into play would be the output level of the tape out being too low to drive an amplifier that lacks input sensitivity to full output. Even then, so long as you weren't looking for roof raising levels, you should be able to obtain at least reasonable spl's. I've never measured the output level on a tape output loop, so maybe someone else can help. I'm not certain if it is line level or not. Sean
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Why would the tape out being run at full line level into a passive attenuator feeding an amp be any different than a CD player running into a passive attenuator feeding an amp? It is not like the passive attenuator has to dissipate high levels of contant wattage, it is only a matter of 1 - 3 volts at max. Obviously, one would want to start off with the attenuator at minimum volume ( maximum attenuation ) and step up from there. The attenuator itself would have to have enough range to pad the line level output to the desired level, so that would be the only major concern that i can think of. Sean
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Wow. Thanks for pointing that out / clarifying the situation Herman. I guess i didn't catch that Audiok was hinting at the same thing. I somehow overlooked that in the original post, probably because i wasn't ever expecting to see something like that. I jumped to conclusions thinking that the attenuator would be used like a "passive preamp" to attenuate the volume between the source and the amp, not between the amp and speakers. While such an approach is used for guitar work ( Tom Scholz' Power Soak ) in order to create massive sustain, distortion and overdrive due to severe clipping of the amp, you definitely would not want to do this with a home audio system.

Good catch guys and thanks for covering for my lack of attention. Both I, and especially Andron, owe you one : ) Sean
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