Cassette review: Fuji ZII 90 min.

[NAD613]

This weekend I got around to doing some recording I'd been putting off for a while. I've got a few tapes I took out of the wrapper, but hadn't recorded on yet. The Fuji ZII is one of them.

This is a type II cassette & I believe it was Fuji's TOTL high bias tape, along the same lines as the Maxell XLII-S & TDK SA-X. It's a pretty funky looking cassette, too. I recorded the tape on my NAD 613 using Dolby C. The CD I decided to record was a Charlie Byrd album from the mid-60's, "Brazilian Byrd", because I like bossa nova & haven't heard this album in awhile.

All the instruments on this album are acoustic, from the guitar to the precusion to the orchestra. They all sound very good, especially the guitar, on this tape. The cassette also has a nice low end, the bass drum comes thru nicely.

As I suspected, a very good tape. No surprise. This tape is quite a bit better than the Fuji DR-II high bias tape; it's just that much more superior. If I find any good deals on them, I will be buying more.

[Mr. Lin]

Nice, thanks for taking the time to tell us about it.

[JXBJXB]

Those were nice tapes indeed! I bought some ZII-100 new in the early 90's - my version is slightly different than yours in terms of shell design and the box is a solid black plastic slimline.

I found the performance very similar to the other Fuji high-end Type II, including the FR-IIS (mid to late 80's) and FR-IIx PRO (very early 90's). I do think that the later models like the ZII weren't built as well as the earlier models, but then, I feel that way about most of the cassettes I've used over the years.

A quick snapshot of my Sony WM-D6C playing one of those early 90's ZII is attached.

[gamve]

Should be nice, the shell looks identical to the ones used for the Metal Z. Keep an eye out for these as well as these are also very good tapes.

[PrimozS]

Hello,

today I've found in local store 3pack of Fuji ZII - similar to the ones in first post - the only noticable difference - it says "Master quality for professionals" instead of "Master quality super low noise tapes"

1,99EUR for 3 pack of ZII 60, so 0,66EUR each. I guess I got a bargain? :-)

Also another find - Konica KW-HR 90 for 1,04EUR/piece.

On both cassettes it says "made in Japan" :-)

[Styx_II]

This weekend I got around to doing some recording I'd been putting off for a while. I've got a few tapes I took out of the wrapper, but hadn't recorded on yet. The Fuji ZII is one of them.

This is a type II cassette & I believe it was Fuji's TOTL high bias tape, along the same lines as the Maxell XLII-S & TDK SA-X. It's a pretty funky looking cassette, too. I recorded the tape on my NAD 613 using Dolby C. The CD I decided to record was a Charlie Byrd album from the mid-60's, "Brazilian Byrd", because I like bossa nova & haven't heard this album in awhile.

All the instruments on this album are acoustic, from the guitar to the precusion to the orchestra. They all sound very good, especially the guitar, on this tape. The cassette also has a nice low end, the bass drum comes thru nicely.

As I suspected, a very good tape. No surprise. This tape is quite a bit better than the Fuji DR-II high bias tape; it's just that much more superior. If I find any good deals on them, I will be buying more.

Good to know about the ZII.....I've got two boxes coming in the next few days.

[shadowlord]

Those were nice tapes indeed! I bought some ZII-100 new in the early 90's - my version is slightly different than yours in terms of shell design and the box is a solid black plastic slimline.

I found the performance very similar to the other Fuji high-end Type II, including the FR-IIS (mid to late 80's) and FR-IIx PRO (very early 90's). I do think that the later models like the ZII weren't built as well as the earlier models, but then, I feel that way about most of the cassettes I've used over the years.

A quick snapshot of my Sony WM-D6C playing one of those early 90's ZII is attached.

looks like you play some Grateful Dead! nice choice *smokin*

[PrimozS]

These are the ones I got:

http://s4.mojalbum.com/audio-cassettes-foto_6450754_14778713_zoom_17661721.jpg

http://s4.mojalbum.com/audio-cassettes-foto_6450754_14778713_zoom_17661724.jpg

Any good?

[JaeTee]

I also agree that the ZII is among the top line of type II's out there. The one Primoz is showing is the newer version of the ZII, while the one that (I believe JXB) is displayed in the other photo is the older version. I have copies of both here and they are both very, very good.

Don't every walk away from these if you're lucky enough to find them for sale locally at reasonable prices...

IMHO, they are every bit as good as early to mid 90's Maxell XLII-S or TDK SA-X.

[Mignun67]

Hello,

today I've found in local store 3pack of Fuji ZII - similar to the ones in first post - the only noticable difference - it says "Master quality for professionals" instead of "Master quality super low noise tapes"

1,99EUR for 3 pack of ZII 60, so 0,66EUR each. I guess I got a bargain? :-)

Also another find - Konica KW-HR 90 for 1,04EUR/piece.

On both cassettes it says "made in Japan" :-)

PrimozS, is that a different tape to Konica's KX-HR? I recently picked up some boxes of 10 of this one (albeit for a lot more than 1 Euro each!!) and it's an impressive tape, nicely put together. I'm guessing NOS from the late 80s or very early 90s.

[PrimozS]

Ooops, a typing mistake. I meant KX-HR.

This one:
http://s4.mojalbum.com/audio-cassettes-foto_6450754_14778713_zoom_17661726.jpg


I've returned back to the store today and took al the ZII's 3packs that were left .. All together I got 15+42 ZII 60 cassettes.

If you say KX-HR is a good tape - I might return again and buy them too. Around 15-20 were left ...

[Mignun67]

Well, it's early days, but everything so far points to a fine quality Type II, way ahead of any of the current available options. Apart from that, it's NOS from the peak of cassette, it's made in Japan, and it rather reminds me of the earliest examples of Fuji's JP-II. Konica used to be a highly respected Japanese brand, specialising in film and camera production. I say, don't walk.... run!*Hi5*

[Kirunavaara]

Do these Konica KX-HR really say "Made in Japan" or just "Japan"? The shells are, however, exactly the same as for some Korean Samsung/Saehan cassettes...

http://www.c-90.org/catalogue/tapes/Konica/Konica%20KX-HR/0
http://www.c-90.org/catalogue/tapes/Saehan/Saehan%20Ma/0

...which doesn't mean they have to be bad :-)

/Martin

[Mignun67]

Martin, good spot! Yup, shells look very similar. The metal label on the cassette shell says Japan, as does the foil wrapper. Certainly the former should not be there if the tape was not of Japan manufacture. The later "Konica" tapes were definitely of Korean manufacture and the drop in apparent quality was marked. Possibly they bought the tooling etc.. when Konica folded and became a "ghost brand" around this time. I think these were the XR series.

[Mignun67]

Thinking on this a bit more there's another possibility; Most of the smaller Japanese brands didn't make their own tape, instead relying on sourcing parts or even having the whole tape assembled by one of the majors. I recall a trade friend who used to work with TDK telling me some time ago that around 1987 the strong yen mean't that a lot of part sourcing and production was moved out of Japan. For example, Teac, who had used Taiyo Yuden, moved to sourcing their tapes from LG in Korea. Whether this began with part sourcing but with assembly still taking place in Japan, I don't know for sure. It's very likely that Konica (who likewise didn't actually make the tape inside the shells) did the same thing just before the demise of the proper brand. So it could be that this tape was indeed "assembled" and QC'd in Japan but using parts sourced from Samsung. I'm also led to believe that JVC also went to Samsung for their later tapes.

Can anyone fill in the gaps or give the definitive story here?

[Mignun67]

Here are some more images of the Konica KX-HR.

[Kirunavaara]

There are even more Konica cassettes of that line-up which I strongly suspect having been made in Korea:

- KX-I, some by Samsung, some by SKC, both with different transparent shells. Example:
http://www.c-90.org/catalogue/tapes/Konica/Konica%20KX-I/0
Maybe it reminds you of the current Akai tapes...

- KX-II (strange enough even this a type I), some with the same shells as your KX-HR, and some in SKC's "Sony look" shell, example:
http://www.c-90.org/catalogue/tapes/Konica/Konica%20KX-II/0

- KX in a typical black standard SKC shell:
http://www.c-90.org/catalogue/tapes/Konica/Konica%20KX/0

All of these have a "Japan" printing on their labels. I'd be very surprised if Konica happened to be the original designer of all these different shells, which have been used by two different Korean manufacturers. It seems more likely that they just printed "Japan" , because it says nothing, but makes customers believe they'd buy a high quality tape...

Earlier Konicas have completely different shells and they proudly say "Made in Japan". No idea who manufactured these:

http://cgi.ebay.de/Konica-ML-90-Blank-Tape-Cassette-1982-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ250586036073
http://www.c-90.org/catalogue/tapes/Konica/Konica%20ML/0
http://cgi.ebay.de/Konica-GM-I-90-Blank-Tape-Cassette-1982-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ250586035141
http://cgi.ebay.de/Konica-GM-II-90-Blank-Tape-Cassette-1982-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ250586033326

If you look on their back, they even say "Konishiroku Ampex Co. Ltd, and GM stands for "Grand Master", an old Ampex trade mark... while they don't look ampex-ish at all. The only other cassette brand I've seen with these shells so far was Magnax (not the Italian Magnex and neither the German Magna).

Maybe we should move the recent couple of postings to a new Konica thread and continue discussing Fujis here... :-)

Martin

[close652]

I reported several times that these Z IIs are damn good.
I am not surprised that they are available in Croatia.
I think Fuji Europe clearing stocks.
We also have Fuji VHS tapes on discounted prices.
There are only C-60s here. Do you have c-90 in Croatia?
If you do so I may have to visit the country before summer :)
I am still looking for the a full black case version shown with post #3.

[Mignun67]

Martin, good idea as we're a bit off-topic here.

Mods, is there any possibility of moving the Konica discussion into a new thread?

[PrimozS]

@Close - you must come to Slovenia not to Croatia ;-)
FUJI's were only in C-60 lenght.



Regarding Konica - yep, it would really be better to move the topics to new thread.
Hmm, you were right - it doesn't explicitly say Made in ... Just "Japan".
Nevertheless - yesterday i've returned and bought all remaining stock (16 pcs). They claim they might have enother 100 psc somewhere in the warehouse ... But they were not sure ..

They also have Konica XRI and XRII (Normal position) ones.

[close652]

Sorry, Slovenia!

[Mignun67]

Primozs, unless they're practically giving them away, leave the XR tapes alone. A later and rather cheap tape, "ghost" branded.

Martin, is it me, or does that old Konica ML look just like a Teac?

[Kirunavaara]

These Konicas actually remind of some mid-80's Teac and That's constructions, but they are different:

http://www.c-90.org/catalogue/tapes/Konica/Konica%20ML/0
http://www.c-90.org/catalogue/tapes/Teac/Teac%20MDX/0
http://www.c-90.org/catalogue/tapes/Thats%20-%20Triad/Thats%20EM/0

Only the Teac and the That's are mechanically compatible.

/Martin

[PrimozS]

Yesterday I've recorded few tracks from Kraftwerk Digital Remastered Vinyl album MIX to Fuji ZII with one of mine 680ZX --> and it performes really well. Highly satisfied :-)

[PrimozS]

These was the final result of my purchases after reading some opinions on 2 audio forums:

http://s4.mojalbum.com/audio-cassettes-foto_6450754_14778713_zoom_17672876.jpg

[close652]

These was the final result of my purchases after reading some opinions on 2 audio forums

So you have bought all remaining stocks :)

[PrimozS]

Something like that ;-)

[close652]

PM me if you need a hundred more ZIIs.

[mtbguy]

Close652/PrimozS,

Just stumbled on your post on the Fuji ZII. I am just getting back to using tapes again. I always had good results with Fuji ZII.

Are the Fuji ZII 90s (preferable) still available in Slovenia or Hungary?

PrimozS, I have a few friends in Ljubljana and usually visit once a year. Would you be able to let me know possible places where I can get hold of the Fuji if they are still available or did you get the last stocks :).

Thanks
Al

[close652]

Unfortunately only c60s were available. Last time I did not see any at the local Tesco supermarkets. I will double check next time.

[mtbguy]

Close652,

Thanks for the update. Let me know if they still have some next time you visit. I'll check the Tesco shelves here in the UK but somehow I don't think they will have any. Never actually checked.

Thanks

[D.S. UK]

Close652,

Thanks for the update. Let me know if they still have some next time you visit. I'll check the Tesco shelves here in the UK but somehow I don't think they will have any. Never actually checked.

Thanks

The last audio tapes Tesco stocked were TDK FE 90 about two years ago, I never saw Fuji in my three local branches. They discontinued both audio and VHS tapes but last year re-introduced VHS tapes (Tesco brand) to their website.

Regards,

Damon.

[mtbguy]

Damon,

Thanks for the heads up. I know the only other source of Fuji tapes other than Tapeline is Stanley Productions in Soho, but they only stock DRI, DRII, and FI. I probably get some Maxell XLII that they still stock.

Cheers
Alan

[close652]

I think it was a little remained stock of a distributor of Fuji in Hungary. They also had HQ VHS tapes for sale. Funny thing was that the VHS tapes did not have a matching paper sleeve. The tape was 90min, the sleeve said 60. What they did was putting a sticker of +15min gratis or something.

[Robzie70]

I have some ZII too, but maybe later i will use them. :-)
...or my little son will! :-)

[close652]

Robzie robbed all the ZIIs from Tescos of SE Hungary *Hi5*

[JaeTee]

There was a seller from Isreal who had ZII's for reasonable prices for a while on eBay.

I have some of the first generation ZII's that I bought and recorded on in the early 90's that I still listen to (and have often) and as with the better Maxells & TDKs, they still sound superb.

I have been a fan of these ever since, and rate them right up there with the better XLII and latest XLII-S and SA-X formulations.

I would not hesitate to use them for critical recordings and recommend them to any of you lucky enough to find some.

[D.S. UK]

Damon,

Thanks for the heads up. I know the only other source of Fuji tapes other than Tapeline is Stanley Productions in Soho, but they only stock DRI, DRII, and FI. I probably get some Maxell XLII that they still stock.

Cheers
Alan

You're welcome!

Sadly, Fuji no longer make/sell audio cassettes, first they killed the Axia models in Japan and other countries and then axed the type-2s in the remaining markets and finally, last year, discontinued the DR model. They recently axed the F and Super XG Pro VHS blank tapes but still offer the HQ+ and Super SHG Hi-Fi models as well as the last company in the UK to offer S-VHS blanks with it's Super VHS Pro model. Curiously, Fuji VHS and S-VHS tapes can now be found branded Fujifilm rather than Fuji. There was a post last year on the Bandmaschinen forum that explained this, I can't remember the details off-hand.

The last national chain retailer of Fuji audio tapes was Wilkinsons, they had the DR 60 and 90 and at one the the DRII up until 2008, I used to buy them (singles and 3-packs) and the F model VHS tape regularly there. Now, Wilkinsons only sell Maxell UR 10-packs (£3.95 last time I was in) and M VHS tapes, both these were sold alongside the Fuji tapes.

I remember they sold the DR 60 singly for 69p, DR 60 3-pack for £1.49, DR 90 5-pack for £2.99 and E180F VHS tape for £1.49. I can't remember the prices for single DR 90 and DRII. They also had the Maxell XLII 90 in a 5-pack up until 2007 IIRC at £5.99.

In late 2008/early 2009, Wilkinsons actually stopped selling audio cassettes but about six months later, they returned!

Regards,

Damon.

[bruckner9]

i've got 196 Fuji ZII tapes (including these still-sealed cartons seen here), in 60, 90, and 100 lengths, and i absolutely love them. the outer case is my favorite housing. i like it's 'thinness', and 'orange peel' texture. they never scratch, thus always look new. and, the tapes are super quiet in fast forward/rewind.

http://i43.tinypic.com/33u7635.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2u88d2u.jpg

[Robzie70]

Robzie robbed all the ZIIs from Tescos of SE Hungary *Hi5*

...hehe, ofc! *headtunes**reelspin*

[CottonSwab]

Does anyone have a datasheet of specs on the ZII?

I am wondering the MOL, Sensitivity and SOL numbers.

Thanks!

[vince666]

http://www.tapeheads.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=17074&d=1289739528 *wink*

it's from that usual page full of tape test scans... here: http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=10530

still i don't understand why that superb topic is not sticky... *scratchchin*

CHEERS,

Vince.

[CottonSwab]

http://www.tapeheads.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=17074&d=1289739528 *wink*

it's from that usual page full of tape test scans... here: http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=10530

still i don't understand why that superb topic is not sticky... *scratchchin*

CHEERS,

Vince.

Thanks Vince - I'm sorry I didn't know it was in the test scans sticky. I was thinking out loud again...

[CottonSwab]

Most of you know I love Fuji tapes. The Dr-1, DRII and of relevance here the ZII is no exception. I have quite a few and have only used one so far. I have to say yes this tape belongs alongside all other top quality type II tapes out there. Their sound is unique, deep and luxurious with great detail. This coming out of my 730ES. When I play this tape I know I am hearing something special and I pay close attention. That's a sign of a great tape IMHO!
Ron

[braxus]

Me and Nando also like this tape. It works very well on my Tandberg 3014A. Nando commented is has a full sound and is very well balanced.

[mrfoxboy]

Just get a 10-pack of Fuji ZII 100's (same as JXB's). Cracked one open last night and dubbed an 80's mix I had made on open-reel tape (Fuji! FM-150-7 @ 7.5 IPS on the Pioneer RT-707) and just listening to it now at work. Damn does "Force Ten" by Rush sound good coming off the cass! Definetely a top tape! Highly recommended

[Paspie]

I wonder if they'll still do this today? :)

[Scorpion8]

I wonder if they'll still do this today? :)

Almost every tape had that warranty, but I'd bet that you'd get a DR-II instead.

[VintageSteve]

Warranty usually only covers "defects in materials and workmanship" and wouldn't cover wear, breakage due to mishandling, tapes damaged due to bad transports or improper storage, etc..
But Scorp is right, you'd likely only get a recent production tape. *yes*