[TIMTAPE]

I agree with Steve. Test tapes are for very accurate and fine calibration, not for basic gross assessment. They are not for " telling me all the problems with my tape deck". Back in the day test tapes were expensive and not to be used casually. We would not let one anywhere near a tape deck before having spent time getting the deck in good basic condition such that it wouldn't damage the test tape and ruin its fine accuracy either mechanically or magnetically, if that's a word. This included carefully demagnetizing the tape path. Have you properly cleaned the tape path? From listening to one of your recordings I hear a whining noise which may be related to your digital recording setup rather than the tape deck.