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TonyDuell · 6th Oct 2019, 9:31 pm

Do you get the same loss of signal level (and quality?) in both directions? If not then it points to a head (or head switch, the switch on the PCB that the heads connect to, that is operated by the pinch roller levers) problem. If the problem is the same in both directions then while it could be that both heads are giving problems it is more likely to be an electronic fault on the amplifier chassis.

You could also try swapping the track 1 and track 3 head connections (either on the back of the heads or on that PCB I mentioned) to see if the fault moves or stays on the same channel. If it moves, then the heads are suspect (as now the head handle the othe channel), if it stays the same then it's head trouble or similar.

6th Oct 2019, 9:31 pm	#61
TonyDuell Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK. Posts: 5,208	Re: Philips N4450 Reel to Reel Tape Player Do you get the same loss of signal level (and quality?) in both directions? If not then it points to a head (or head switch, the switch on the PCB that the heads connect to, that is operated by the pinch roller levers) problem. If the problem is the same in both directions then while it could be that both heads are giving problems it is more likely to be an electronic fault on the amplifier chassis. You could also try swapping the track 1 and track 3 head connections (either on the back of the heads or on that PCB I mentioned) to see if the fault moves or stays on the same channel. If it moves, then the heads are suspect (as now the head handle the othe channel), if it stays the same then it's head trouble or similar.