In most although not all designs the selected input just goes through very minimal circuitry before being routed to the record out jacks. In many cases that circuitry is just the input select switch and a resistor.
There is another issue beyond that, however. Most tube power amplifiers or integrated amplifiers, or at least those which have output transformers, should not be operated without either a speaker or an equivalent load resistor being connected. Otherwise damage to the output transformer and/or the output tubes might result from what is called "inductive kickback." The chances of damage if no speaker or resistive load is connected would be greatly minimized if the volume control on the integrated is turned all the way down, so that no signal goes through its power amp section. It would still not be good practice IMO, though, as transients generated at turn-on or turn-off by circuitry that is "after" the volume control might in effect put a brief "signal" through the output transformers, resulting in inductive kickback.
Regards,
-- Al
There is another issue beyond that, however. Most tube power amplifiers or integrated amplifiers, or at least those which have output transformers, should not be operated without either a speaker or an equivalent load resistor being connected. Otherwise damage to the output transformer and/or the output tubes might result from what is called "inductive kickback." The chances of damage if no speaker or resistive load is connected would be greatly minimized if the volume control on the integrated is turned all the way down, so that no signal goes through its power amp section. It would still not be good practice IMO, though, as transients generated at turn-on or turn-off by circuitry that is "after" the volume control might in effect put a brief "signal" through the output transformers, resulting in inductive kickback.
Regards,
-- Al