Marantz 5030b recording while playing

[KrZ8]

Hello, I have an issue with my marantz 5030b cassette deck. It seems that the audio from the line input is "leaking" to the tape while playing.
I can hear faintly whatever is coming through the line input while playing my tape, and this faint sound gets recorded on the tape I am listening to! If I play with the record level controls I can hear the leak varying in volume.

Anybody had this problem before ? Where should I start ?

The 5030b is connected to a Marantz 1250.

The service manual is available here: http://www.hifiengine.com/library/marantz/5030b.shtml

 

[Binkman]

Greetings;

Make sure the input and output cables are correct at the amp. Try disconnecting the input line at the player, select the tape player on the amp and play a 'junk' tape and see if it erases it. According to your explanation it should.


BTW The 5025 manual is listed at hifi, too. the manual link is just for the parts differences.

 

[KrZ8]

Thanks for your answser!

It doesn't actually erases the tape, it adds to it.

If I disconnect the input line, or lower the record level to 0, it doesn't seem to alter the tape.

The 1250 allows to select a different source for recording than the one currently playing.

The way I found out about this problem is the record selector on the 1250 was set to tuner, and the source to Tape monitor. While I was playing a tape I heard some radio through the speaker mixing with the tape's music. I powered off the tuner, rewinded the tape and when playing it you can hear that the radio track has been recorded to the tape in addition to the music.

So it feels that while playing the play/record head gets powered with the input signal when it shouldn't (while playing).

If I remove the tape and just press play, I can reproduce the problem (I will faintly hear on the output what is fed throuth on the input).

I hope this is clear!

 

[KrZ8]

Here is a 1250 front paner for reference http://www.hifiengine.com/images/model/marantz_1250_console_stereo_amplifier.jpg

I guess that the problem could lie where the input signal is supposed to be cut when not recording. It seems to leak through a bit.

 

[Binkman]

the 5030b is a 3 head while the 5025 is a two head. the 5030b manual says use the 5025b manual, can't locate one, so I don't know if the b is a 2 or 3 head.

I wonder if the mute switch(es) is/are making proper contacts or dirty. PDF page 8 of the 5025 manual. I assume is similar in function. You'll have to open it up and observe these switches while pressing the rec. and play buttons.

 

[KrZ8]

The 5030b is a 3 heads. I guess this is an error in the service manual and they actually mean refer to the 5030 (non b) manual. They look identical.
http://www.hifiengine.com/library/marantz/5030.shtml

I will try cleaning all the switches and pots to see if it improves. Thanks!

 

[KrZ8]

Unfortunately cleaning the pots and switches did not improve the condition.

Any other idea ?

Alex

 

[Binkman]

As you said, the source amp may be 'leaking' into the tape input. but the record and play heads are on separate circuits so I don't get that either.

I don't know if degaussing the heads will help. Could try moving the tape machine away from the amp and see if that helps, could try different cables.
Don't use the tape monitor switch while playing tapes?