My current Panasonic DVD-VCR unit (a DMR-EZ47V) plays distorted audio on any tape I insert. It doesn't sound like the regular kind of hi-fi video distortion either - it's more like digital 16-bit white noise, plus some odd reverb or tape delay.
This only applies to the VCR part of the unit; the DVD part is fine. I don't know how to get rid of it, but I'm guessing there must be a simple fix - recapping perhaps? I’ve already tried a head cleaner tape; it didn’t help. I also don’t have the original remote, but I got one that's compatible with that make and model. I've tried using it to change the audio output settings, but to no avail.
The unit was manufactured for the UK, which means I use a voltage adapter to plug it in and use it. It originally came with a SCART cable, which I don't use. Finally, whenever I connect another playback device to one of the RCA inputs, I get the same kind of audio distortion. I took it to R&B Electronics in Redwood City, but they couldn’t fix the issue.
https://streamable.com/id6xbk
This video is a comparison to show what it sounds like when I play a tape on the Panasonic VCR vs. the Sanyo VWM-710 NTSC VCR I use more often. I think it may have more to do with the circuitry than the video head itself, but I could be wrong. If anyone has any insight on this issue, feel free to share.
