Yamaha K-1020 cassette deck

[MacGeek]

I have a malfunctioning Yammy K-1020 cassette deck.  When in record mode, the deck seems to not fully erase previously recorded material.  In playback of both factory recorded and home recorded tapes, the signal fades and is inconsistent (the meters reflect the inconsistency, as well as the audio output).

I have had this deck for over 20 years and am the second owner.  I love this machine and it is mechanically and cosmetically in great shape.  When properly working, it makes and plays tapes very well.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what is causing the problem I am experiencing?

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

Since it is affecting both playback and record perhaps something in the biasing circuit?   Is it two or three head?

[Jim Pittsburgh]

Have you checked the alignment of the heads? what about condition of them?

[MacGeek]

Heads are pristine and the pinch rollers are spotless (3 head-dual capstan).  The belt was replaced a couple of years ago.

The speed hold constant; it's the audio that is inconsistent, fading in and out

[gdv]

Almost "sounds" like the dbx function is not working properly...

Have you engaged/disengaged the switch?  Check that first...  Maybe try to clean the switch...

Let us know...
George

[MacGeek]

Thanks, George.  I have never used the DBX function (never much cared for how it sounds).  How does it affect record and playback in the Dolby modes?