OK, tried Sony into the AUX on Kenwood. Because there are so few inputs on the Kenwood, seemed like the only other source I could play to test with Sony into Aux was the phono. The sound reduction when plugging the Sony in and out of the Aux was pretty subtle (had to close my eyes and 'feel' it).
Thinking maybe less of a muffling because of the Kenwood's built-in phono capability (pre-amp?).
Change in sound was just as subtle with the tuner (also built in?)
So muffling much (much!) more pronounced with the Sony to Kenwood tape in and CD plugged into Kenwood's Aux, and playing a CD.
Sony is an STR-DH700.
