Bruce C Roe (bcr@ih4ess.ih.lucent.com) wrote on 15 Jul 1996 on the sd-mailing list:
Regarding connecting the (presumedly stereo) two outputs of a mini-disk (or any other audio line source) together: These two signals will not be identical when used in mono applications, and forcing them together with a short may introduce additional distortion with the respective amplifiers fighting each other. Using just one would be better. If you need to mix the 2 signals a simple resistive divider can do the job. Use a resistor of higher impedance than the source and lower than the load. For line applications (high impedance) I recommend a 2,200 ohm resistor connected to each of the outputs. This puts 4,400 ohms between the two amp outputs. Connect the other end of the 2 resistors together, and to the load. This gives a 1,100 ohm impedance to the load. Bruce Roe