Video Asylum

Posted by Lasermeister (A) on November 02, 2001 at 19:41:45

In Reply to: Re: AV System vs Audio System posted by Afonso on November 01, 2001 at 11:55:37:

No, the tape outputs on the preamp are hooked into an input on the Marantz preamp/processor (I use the CD input on the Marantz, which is available because my CD player is connected to my Audio Research preamp). Then the left and right preamp outputs on the Marantz are connected back into the tape inputs on the Audio Research preamp.

This is an example of a tape loop, in which the audio signal is sent out of the preamp for processing, in this case, for Dolby Pro-Logic processing, but tape loops are more commonly used to connect in a graphic equalizer. The processed signal reenters the preamp through the tape inputs. However, not all high end preamps have this feature. When I bought it, my Audio Research LS-3 may have been the only one in their lineup that had it, as I recall.

My preamp has a switch on the front that toggles between monitor and source. When it is switched to source, the unit functions normally. When it is switched to monitor, the signal is diverted out the tape outputs to the processor and then comes back through the tape inputs. In this case, the center channel and out of phase rear channel info has been subtracted by Dolby Pro-Logic processing, leaving just the front left and right channels to go to back through the volume control and to the amplifier.

Todd