I bought one of these cables on ebay a few weeks ago - I understand the logic behind them, and would receive any audio signal from any device.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321775070299
I use the |tape command and it tells me to press play and any key, and at that point I start the audio playing, but there is nothing coming through. From memory you could wait for an infinite amount of time before receiving the signal off tape. Is there anything I can check prior to checking the cable works properly? I've tried a number of audio sources but nothing is coming through.
Are you sure you're using the correct jack plug? What devices have you used and what volume level did you try? Are you using a device with a stereo output?
Bryce.
What sound are you playing into the Amstrad?
If you turn the cpc's internal speaker volume up to max can you hear the loading sounds through it (they will be quiet but you can hear them)?
BTW, With most tapes I would expect the first block to be found and loaded within 30 seconds.
Try headphones with the audio signal connected to the same plug as the cable would be, can you hear the loading sounds?
The output volume setting from the tape player can also be very important...