Tape input on preamp - Can I use for other sources

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.

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 !!!