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Restored my dads R2R but no tape loop on integrated

My dad found his old Teac A-3300SX-2T in storage and I’m having it restored currently. I wanted to do some recording from my TT and eventually from a CD transport as well if I end up adding one. My integrated is a Cambridge Audio CXA81 with no tape loop (only a pre-out option).

Tape selector?

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sony/sb-500.shtml
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/ds-5.shtml

I found a few models like the Sony SB500 or Akai DS-5. My thought was to connect the Teac input/output to ‘Tape 1’, phono stage output to ‘Tape 2’ and output from ‘Source’ to a line input on my integrated. Would this introduce any type of feedback loop while recording?

This would save me from moving cables around but it also means that my TT signal is always passing through the switch even when listening to it directly. I’ve read that these older switches are prone to oxidization and require some cleaning usually as well as constant exercising of the switches.

I wouldn’t want to potentially degrade the sound quality of my primary listening source to allow recording to a R2R

Phonostage direct to R2R?

The other option would be connecting my phonostage output directly to the Teac whenever I want to record. But this would involve the hassle of swapping phonostage output from integrated to r2r and back. Also I would only be able to monitor the source using the headphone out on the Teac and the built in output selector switch.

Rethink CXA81?

Is there another option available outside of completely rethinking my choice of integrated amplifier? The R2R holds more sentimental value than anything so I feel like it would be silly to start swapping major components for an unexpected add-on.
jvonoldershausen
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,520 posts
 
A tape loop IIRC is so that you can monitor while you record. If you are just playing back I think you can just go into one of the input connectors.

EDIT: I see you want to record. I get confused at this point but the loop is for ease of recording and play back but you can record direct which is not that inconvenient. Maybe someone else with more experience can jump in. 
vinylzone
288 posts
 
Phono stage direct to R2R, Tape out to any input.  This will allow you to monitor what's coming off the tape while recording.  Same with the cd transport.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,629 posts
 
You'll be in danger of a feedback blowout if you try to monitor without a tape loop. They are few and far between. You have to monitor with headphones in the deck. No recommendations.
other than unplug the deck output to record and plug it in for playback.  
Yeccch.
Buy an amp with tape loop.
jvonoldershausen OP
7 posts
 
@fuzztone I didn't consider having to disconnect r2r output as well during recording. If the phonostage is connected directly to the r2r and i'm monitoring with headphones while still outputting to my integrated i figured i would hear nothing when the output selector on Teac is set to 'Source' (phonostage) and the off-the-tape output when set to 'Tape'. This scenario would introduce feedback?

Not that it would be useful to hear through speakers since i can only monitor the source through headphones but its an extra set of cables to unplug.

Most likely will use this as a temp setup until i can figure out a replacement for the preamp.

@vinylzone thats what i had considered as an option although it would only allow me to monitor the tape on my speakers since the phonostage is connected direct to r2r. but using the headphone out on r2r would allow me to monitor both source & tape during recording

@russ69 the tape loop also provides an unattenuated line level signal from the preamp to accomplish that. seems the only option with what i have is phonostage direct to R2R and then monitor source/tape from headphones plugged into the R2R.




vinylzone
288 posts
 
I believe there's a switch on the deck that allows you to output either the source or the tape heads.
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