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buffered tape output option?

108.216.110.56
Posted on May 8, 2016 at 09:10:11
M3 lover
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Location: SW Mich
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  Since: July 4, 2007
 Looking at info for a new preamp (AVA) I see one option is a buffered tape output. What does that mean and when would it be important?

I've been in this hobby for many years but don't remember that being listed for any preamp I've owned. Maybe I wasn't paying attention? In the past I've had several cassette decks and one R2R but never gave a thought if the connection was buffered or not.

I still have a cassette with many tapes so would like to listen to those from time to time. In addition I'm looking at an outboard phono EQ for early mono LPs and possibly even 78s and that suggests connecting to a buffered tape loop.

I sent an inquiry to AVA but no reply so thanks if you can clarify for me.

"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made." Groucho

 

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RE: buffered tape output option?, posted on May 8, 2016 at 10:29:27
Frihed89
Audiophile

Posts: 15703
Location: Copenhagen
Joined: March 21, 2005
 go to the link

 

Ensures, posted on May 8, 2016 at 15:24:29
E-Stat
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Posts: 37666
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  Since: April 5, 2002
 that there's a low impedance source driving the output as phono stages and line sources are often not well suited by themselves.

It is also why comparing evaluating a cable via a tape monitor loop is useless because you are insulating it from real world impedance matching issues experienced between sources or power amps.

 

RE: buffered tape output option?, posted on May 8, 2016 at 21:28:57
John Elison
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  Since: January 29, 2004
 Some preamps simply connect the tape output directly to the source component similar to using a Y-adapter. A buffered tape output places an amplifier stage in-between the source and the tape output so there can be no electrical interference to the source component from anything connected to the tape output.

Best regards,
John Elison

 

RE: buffered tape output option?, posted on May 9, 2016 at 09:48:04
6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 4392
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
 The Modulus 3 have buffered tape outputs-
they are actually one of the best parts of the circuit!
Happy Listening

 

Distortion, posted on May 9, 2016 at 13:29:55
djk
Manufacturer

Posts: 6135
Joined: June 17, 2000
 Some tape decks cause distortion in the source unit when they are turned off, a buffer stops this.

 

RE: buffered tape output option?, posted on May 16, 2016 at 09:30:48
pictureguy
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Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 Shouldn't the buffer be ZERO gain?


Too much is never enough

 

RE: buffered tape output option?, posted on May 25, 2016 at 02:06:39
John Elison
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Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
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  Since: January 29, 2004
 > Shouldn't the buffer be ZERO gain?

No! It should be unity gain. However, I think that's probably what you meant.

Unity gain equals a gain of 1, which also equals a gain of 0-dB.

 

RE: buffered tape output option?, posted on May 25, 2016 at 09:35:46
pictureguy
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Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 Yes, by zero I meant whatever comes IN goes OUT unchanged.
IE: 'The buffer should have NO gain'.
'Unity' is one of those Technical Terms, isn't it?
Too much is never enough

 

RE: buffered tape output option?, posted on May 25, 2016 at 14:24:44
John Elison
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Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 I don't know if "unity" is a technical term or not. It simply means "1." A buffer amplifier with a gain of "1" provides no amplification and whatever comes IN goes OUT unchanged. It is the same as a gain of zero-decibels, which is definitely a technical term.

 

RE: buffered tape output option?, posted on May 25, 2016 at 14:45:55
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 Just having a grin.
But seriously,
The ONE thing about a unity gain device is that you KNOW if it does or does NOT invert polarity.
That might make a difference.
Too much is never enough

 

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