First of all, you have to understand there are different definitions of 'four track'

Domestic four track is really a monophonic arrangement whereby the signal is recorded in four 'stripes' down the length of the tape, whereas professional four track is literally four separate tracks capable of being played back simultaneously.

The domestic unit cannot play professional tapes properly, as two of the tracks would play backwards!

The other type is the domestic 'stereo' four track, which is essentially the same principle as the mono - it cannot play back professional tapes.

I suspect that yours is the domestic variant, and the good news is that you can use a professional four track to play back domestic four track, and they are more readily available and cheap, because no-one wants them in this digital age. The only slight drawback is that domestic machines usually run at 3.75 ips, the secon speed either being 7 ips (for better quality recording) or 1.875 ips (for 'speech quality). Professional machines usually run at 15 ips, sometimes with a 7 ips option.

There is also the other issue of reel sizes - some domestic units cannot accept reels larger than 5.75 inches diameter, but others can accept up to 7 inch reels. Professional machines usually use '10 inch NAB' reels, but can also accept the domestic reels.

Getting your Phillips unit repaired depends upon what the fault is - and valve-based units aren't worth the enormous expense involved. Transistorised ones are easier to repair, but parts may not be readily available, particularly if it's the record/playback head that is faulty.

My four track is a professional Teac 3440, which runs at 7 and 15 ips; you can always play your tapes into the PC and use software to 'slow down' the recording afterwards - the different in speed equates to exactly one octave in pitch. It is a great machine to work with - very easy to use for multi-tracking - and they can be obtained quite cheaply.

However, the problem with all types of machine is worn heads - replacement heads for a 3440 are in excess of 300 quid! So be sure you've seen it record and play back on all four tracks before you part with your cash!

I would guess that you are in the UK, so I may be able to help you - a friend of mine is a reliable repair man, or maybe I could transcribe the tapes for you.

E-mail me if you think I can help in any way.