How does processor loop work?

The tape loop is a input/output selection on your pre/intergrated-amp or receiver. Since a tape or CDR are one single component that will either send (play) or receive(record) the pre-amp can sort this out as having 1 input and 1 output under one label (tape).

Unity Gain is a feature of a Pre-Amp that allows a multi channel preamp/processor to pass the front 2 channels through the pre-amp to the amplifier. So the advantage that I see is this allows on system to be run as 2 systems;1)Stereo and 2)Home theatre. You are able to run multi channel and use all your speakers or turn off all HT related equipment and run just two front speakers, amp and source component. At least this was my motive.

Most 2 channel pre-amps will out perform most Preamp processors. Since a Pre/pro has two seperate tasks to perform both multi and stereo, usualy compromises are made. This of course is my opinion. There are exceptions depending on price.

Look at this from my integrated amp manual, on page 9 (or 12/28 at the top of the pdf viewer)

http://www.mbl-usa.com/Resources/Documents/7008.pdf

(The 8006B is mislabled as a preamp. They are power amps. Also imagine one three-channel amp instead of three mono amps)

Essentialy with the processor bypass you are using the integrated amp as a two-channel power amplifier only. So as stated above, you preserve your two-channel set-up, but with the push of a button can switch to home theater.

Ah, so the processor loop really is for the external parametric equalizer. Not processor in "pre/pro", but a sound processor. And processor loop can't be used to provide HT integration. That was a source of confusion, as I've seen mentions to processor loop when people asked for two channel and HT integration. Thanks for clearing it up.

Basically it is a "pass thru" with no volume (controlled on pre/pro) nor tonal influence.

Theo, if you connect the pass through output to the pre/pro, how will you connect the rest of the system? The power amp has one set of input, and can't connect both the preamp and pre/pro to it at the same time.