Tape Head Load Impedance
Tape head load impedance is the electrical load presented to the playback head by its preamplifier, in ohms or kilohms.
The load interacts with the head and connected wiring, potentially affecting output level and frequency response. It may be fixed, continuously adjustable or selectable in steps. Input capacitance is a separate part of the electrical loading.
Tape Head Load Impedance — Tape Preamp
The tape preamplifier receives a signal directly from the playback head, so loading forms part of the head-to-preamp match. The appropriate value depends on the head and circuit design. A higher resistance is not automatically a better match or a guarantee of more accurate playback.
Compare the load with the transport or head requirements, including cable and input capacitance where relevant. Distinguish a continuous range from a set of selectable values. A single value described as adjustable does not reveal the adjustment range. Line-input or phono-input impedance belongs to another input and cannot replace this figure.