Hi

My last-ever VCR is a Sony SLV-SE730 and wouldn't you know it, just as
I am about to transfer my last VHS's to DVD, the Nicam starts dropping
out. Otherwise the VCR is in fine condition.

Symptom: most of the time the audio plays as mono, but occasionally
Nicam starts working, usually with faint repeated clicks in the
background and a reduction in volume.

I know its not the tapes themselves, since tapes that I previously
transferred OK now show the problem. The audio head is clean and
unworn.

Looking at the circuit board, there are just a few all-in-one chips
and no pots to for me to tweak.

Does anyone have any ideas about what I can look at to fix this?
Failing that, can anyone point me to a downloadable circuit diagram or
service manual?

Cheers, Marty