problem recording audio only with a JVC BR-S800U

Hi,

Nice to (virtually) meet you- my name's Jon.

I"m a home recording musician that likes to record using analog technologies. I read that HiFi VHS was a higher quality recording medium than the audio cassette tapes I normally use, so I found an inexpensive JVC BRS-800U on eBay and am giving it a go.

I downloaded the manual but there aren't step-by-step instructions, just a key to functions. So far I'm just hooking things up blindly and pressing buttons :P

I can monitor the input of my source (rcas int hifi audio in) just fine (and the fidelity through the headphone jack sounds superb). I'm pressing the record and play button simultaneously.

But on playback I hear nothing. It's either not recording, or I'm not routed to monitor. Or both.

I've heard that some VHS recorders will not record audio without video input. This thing is like the NASA control center- Id be surprised if it needed video to record audio, if set up properly, but either way, I'm clueless.

Is anyone familiar with this machine, and if so, can you walk me through what I need to do to record audio-only?

Thanks!