Best of the Best Cassettes

[braxus]

I've compiled a list of what are probably the best cassettes ever made in recent years. I'm sure you are all aware of these tapes, so here goes:

TDK MA-XG metal frame tape
TDK SA-XG metal frame tape
Maxell Vertex
Sony Metal Master
Denon MG-X
Triad/ That's Suono (some say the best tape ever made)

There may be some chrome variants off the metal tapes. I think there may be a Sony Chrome Master as well. All of the above are tapes that command a huge price on Ebay, some up to $100 per tape. Funny as the most expensive of these tapes probably didn't go for more then $20 back when. I've decided to put a frame together to showcase these best of the best.

Sonically what have people noticed about the above tapes? I know TDKs tape is nothing more then a MA-X tape inside. Maxells tape may be nothing to yell about either. I haven't tried the Triad tape yet though. These tapes are the ones with the very refined better shells, and a tape that is better then any other the company made. Look at the shells on all the above tapes. They are substantially better then the average tape the companies made.

[Des-Lab]

Hey Brax! Glad you made the jump to the "new" [new] website. Also glad to see you got the attachments I know you wanted.

Anyway, to respond to your question, I dunno. That's a pretty rock solid list there. Of course what has to be taken into account with the pricing (and collectiblity) issue is the scarcity of some tapes. For example, take an early generation Maxell XLI from around 1985. It was a good tape. But it was, performance wise only average-to-good. Many tapes would, under any circumstance, outperform it. But because it's such an agonizingly rare tape (I have, in ten years on Ebay, seen only two of them listed. And I bought both. And paid through the nose for them).

Another thing to keep in mind that some of those tapes (like the MA-XG) were decidedly 'overbuilt' and given way too much 'fluff' (like the gold leaf title cars on the Maxell Vertex or the stencil letters on the Sony Metal Master) that add to the 'thrill' (and price) of the tape but do little or nothing to actually enhance the actual sound and performance of it.

Some low[er] grade tapes, in my humble opinion can be true champs that can take anything that you can throw at them. And still hold up and sound sonically perfect if you are tuned for them. So to your list, I would have to add, just off the top of my head, the Denon HD8, HD-M, DX-4, Blackwatch "2020" and "4040" as well. In their respective categories, I'd definitely call those among the best. Even if they are aesthetically rather Plain Jane.

[braxus]

Your suggestions are good for your added list of tapes, but many weren't top tier tapes in terms of the best tape period you could get from that perticular manufacturer. And some manufacturers tapes were no better in terms of their shell then anything else out there. Again the shells were beefed up over the average offering and the tape itself was the best the manufacturer made. The SA-XG really shouldn't be on this list if you want the best period, since the MA-XG bests it. Someone mentioned I missed the Sony Super Metal Master tape. True. But those were rare indeed. When I originally came up with this post, the above 6 tapes were what I came up with.

[ferriteman]

Hi Brax...the funny thing about this Triad tape is don't think I ever saw it in stores out in my neck of the woods (out east, here in Ontario). So you've certainly got my curiosity on it...how does it compare to say the TDK MAX-G? Is it really good?

[braxus]

Never used the Triad tape yet. I bought an extra one, but have yet to test it.

[braxus]

Revising my frames with the best of the best tapes. I now have a few frames going. I changed my list to include the Denon HG-M, Sony UX Master, and so on. I don't count the type 1 tapes in this list, but I am showing a frame with them in for anyone interested.

[braxus]

Thought I'd dig up this thread for the newbies. Should prove interesting how many of these tapes people on here collect.

[iamhifi]

Braxus you forgot the very best tape, TDK MA-XG new style from the 90's.
Angel

[braxus]

Braxus you forgot the very best tape, TDK MA-XG new style from the 90's.
Angel

I thought of that. I figured since I already have one MA-XG in a frame, that will do. But since you mentioned it, I decided to set it aside for that premium frame it would go into. I'd rather use that tape, but I could save one for this.

[KatCassidy]

OK, so now for the best of the best CHROME cassettes ever made please *flame*

[DolbySProject]

I had a few of those TDK's back in the day. (If I could turn back time... ...oh, come on, who doesn't like Cher?) But, those white shell Denon's and Sony's are just sweet looking! I still have a few of the cream shelled Maxell Metal Capsule 100's. They sound awesome; so, if the ones listed here beat those... *drool*

[braxus]

OK, so now for the best of the best CHROME cassettes ever made please *flame*

Funny I did up some framed for the best tapes of all, plus one for the top type 1s, but nothing for chromes. I guess I find chromes too common to do up a frame. The type 1s were more rare, as were the top metals. I think anyone could list off the best chromes:

Maxell XL-IIS 1988
Sony UX-Pro 1989
TDK SA-XG 1986
Denon HD-8 1988

There may be more to that list, but that is what I know of.

[BlazeES]

Looking at those frames, I have to ask, has anyone ever used one of those Denon HG-M 90's? If so, what's your impression...

[braxus]

Looking at those frames, I have to ask, has anyone ever used one of those Denon HG-M 90's? If so, what's your impression...

I got a second one (off Dr. Bo) and recorded some dance music onto it, but I didn't give it a critical listen. Nothing glared out at me at the time. I wonder what tape Denon used for those- HD-8s?

[BlazeES]

I got a second one (off Dr. Bo) and recorded some dance music onto it, but I didn't give it a critical listen. Nothing glared out at me at the time. I wonder what tape Denon used for those- HD-8s?

What's the wrapper say? High position, metal particle? If it does, then its HD-8.

[braxus]

What's the wrapper say? High position, metal particle? If it does, then its HD-8.

Its says Super Tuned Technorome what ever that is. Maybe be its own tape- not sure.

[shotwell]

I thought Denon HD8 was the same tape as TDK HX-S

[braxus]

I thought Denon HD8 was the same tape as TDK HX-S

People have said that, but some have tested both and find they sound different.

[1979TDKAD-C90]

OK, so now for the best of the best CHROME cassettes ever made please *flame*

1978 Basf Chrome LH if you want a real chrome cassette, not those wannabes by TDK and Maxell.

Now...BEST NORMAL BIAS?

[braxus]

1978 Basf Chrome LH if you want a real chrome cassette, not those wannabes by TDK and Maxell.

Now...BEST NORMAL BIAS?


http://www.tapeheads.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=7787&d=1250822690

[KatCassidy]

I have opened my Fuji FR-IS tapes (thanks Braxus!) and I'll be recording on them just as soon as I stop listening to Maxell-LN's online station. It's actually harder to do than you might think - it's a great station!

[mrfoxboy]

Decently-common tapes which perform WELL -> TDK SA (~1987) and Maxell XL-II (~1986)

[braxus]

Funny how these top tapes don't make a huge difference on most people's decks. Only the top decks will eek out the extra quality these tapes can give.

[Kevin's Rack]

I'll put my $.02 in for Fuji ZII being an outstanding high performance type II. The best ones are the first and second generation (before 1997) with the double coating. Absolutely fabulous.

SA-X is good, but Fuji ZII fly under the radar, err...I mean they're junk. If you have any, get rid of them right away. I'll reluctantly take those pieces of crap off your hands.

[Alshalan]

I tried recording on many tapes.. not music.. but religious singing (which is also more sensitive to any noise, so you can hear feel the quality)

The best metal is MA-R then Sony Super metal master
The best chrom is Xlii-s

Indulge your self..

[coollpe]

Best Type I:
Sony HF-PRO, Maxell XLI-S, TDK AR-X, Axia HD-MASTER, DENON RD-XS, National X-DU, That's FX-XP

Best Type II:
Sony UX-MASTER, Maxell XLII-S, TDK HX/SA-XG

Best Metal:
Sony MM/SMM, TDK MA-R/MA-XG, That's SUONO, Maxell Metal Vertex, National MX-DU/MA-DU

[dr.bo]

I have to put in a plug for METAFINE by Scotch! ( okay, maybe not the best metal, but still my personal favorite! )

[LesX55]

Cool,
A list of the all time best-such a personal thing to put together...but here goes
Type 1.
TDK - AR-X.
Sony - AHF.

Type 11.
Sony - UX-PRO.
Sony - UCX-S.
Maxell - XL11-S.

Type 111.
Sony - FeCr
Denon - DX5????

Type 1V.
Thats - MRX-PRO ( not technically the best, but WOW so musical )
TDK - MA-XG
Sony - Metal ES ( original version )

[EfendiRuul]

There are several tapes I really like, but I´d only like to judge these ones I´ve used myself. The perfectly looking Metal Type IV Cassette is the TDK MA-X from 1988, its case is so strong and beautiful. Its sound is very pure but a little bit too “metallic”. The most amazing sound I´ve discovered on listening to a cassette was the THAT´S MR-X 90 PRO. I really fell in love with this tape and its producer Taiyo Yuden. I didn´t know them before and was very surprised. After that in Spain I bought some original THAT´S Suono (46) tapes with its heavy and technically outstanding case. They are great cassettes and you can record them up to a volume of +10 db. The Suono really need and deserve cautious treatment. From the chrome tapes I´d like to mention the DENON HD 8 S (it looks great and even smells great!), with which I had the incredible experience of recording on a higher volume level than the line-in had shown before. The perfect day-by-day cassettes are the Maxell XLII-S 90 – great heat resistant shells with screws, great recording quality. One tape that disappointed me a little bit was the Denon HD-M Metal and the Maxell Capsule – they are o.k. but they don´t sound great actually.

[dr.bo]

another trio of high end tapes are the AXIA HD SD and XD Masters. I think they were Fuji/Axia's top of the line tapes.

An under-rated type I and II would be the Scotch XS-I and II,

Also, THAT'S CD-MH (SUONO), type II, and THAT'S CD-IVF (SUONO), type IV deserve mention.

I try not to make suggestions because it could seem self-serving since I sell these tapes, but I have never had anyone complain about any of the above, and I gotta tell you, ebay buyers LOVE to complain!

[Tapemystic]

What about the TDKAR? - Its hard to find any AR-X's. The AR seem to take just about anything one can throw at it, and sound great! *reelspin*

[Lapis]

What about the TDKAR? - Its hard to find any AR-X's. The AR seem to take just about anything one can throw at it, and sound great! *reelspin*

The TDK AR is a very good type I tape. I do not have one but I do have a TDK AD. The AD that I have are from 1984.

[CottonSwab]

Thanks to a kind gesture from n2068dd I have had a chance to listen to the Sony Super Metal Master. I have not heard anything better in my life.

[braxus]

Keep in mind guys this is a thread about the best OF the best. Not which tapes are top in their category, but picking the best tapes period. This is why I came up with the list which comprises mostly metal tapes with the really good shells and sell for huge amounts on Ebay.

[katana1100]

Keep in mind guys this is a thread about the best OF the best. Not which tapes are top in their category, but picking the best tapes period. This is why I came up with the list which comprises mostly metal tapes with the really good shells and sell for huge amounts on Ebay.

For me, it's simple- NAC 499 premium. I don't what kind of BASF tape is in it, but this tape is a bargain at $5. It dials in easily on all my decks, offers the sound of metal with the lower noise of high bias. Even though it is not a metal, it sounds better than my Sony Xr metals and maybe a little better than my TDK MA. I don't have any super metals to compare to, but I don't see how it can get much better as neither I nor my 18 year old daughter (with excellent ears) can pick out the tape or source with any accuracy.
You can also really load the meters down and it won't distort.

[LesX55]

SONY SUPER METAL MASTER

[DuckTape]

I've done several side by sides with the peak XLII-S and SA-XS and imo, the SA-XS walks all over the best XLII-S

[n2068dd]

If most high Br, Hc and squarness ratio should be the main criteria,
None of the tape may not beat the Sony Metal Master,but no one can buy anymore,and requires highend decks for full performance.
If apearence should be the main criteria,TDK MA-R may be the Best,but no one can buy anymore,too.
If long selling and easy to buy should be the main criteria,SONY HF may be the Best.It can still buy anywhere in the world.Personaly I vote HF.

[CottonSwab]

If long selling and easy to buy should be the main criteria,SONY HF may be the Best.It can still buy anywhere in the world.Personaly I vote HF.

My cassette of choice for routine recording. The very first time I had used it with Dolby C I was very pleased. It is simple to set up and gives back more than enough enjoyment for me. The point that it is available is a good thing in my mind.

Hiromu, what did I tell you? *Hi5*

[vince666]

+1 on the HF as for the "current" cassettes. *bigthumbup*

about the best of the best in general...

still i didn't try MA-XG or SMM or Vertex... but i liked a lot the early Sony Metal ES and the That's MR-X PRO... but i have a couple of "Suono" to try soon. *devil*

[darkstar078]

TDK MA-R/MA-XG, That's MR-X Pro, Sony Metal Master/Metal-S/Metal-ES.
So far these are truly the best tapes I have tried.

Maxell MX-S, Sony Metal SR, TDK MA and Fuji Metal Z
These are super too.

Sony UCX-S/UX-Pro, Denon HD-8, Basf Chrome Maxima II for tape II.
Also That's E[M]X, TDK SA 46 [1986] and some SA-X and XLII-S versions.

Maxell XLI-S, TDK AR-X for type I.
I haven't tried many of these.

[vince666]

Maxell XLI-S, TDK AR-X for type I.
I haven't tried many of these.

i suggest also the Sony HF-ES which are very nice too. *wink*

[20tajk7]

Yes I have one HF-ES, it's a very good type I tape, but the best Sony tape is IMHO the FeCr (I record it in normal position *devil*), sensitivity and dynamic range is excellent, saturation at +5/+6dB *bigthumbup*

[n2068dd]

The point that it is available is a good thing in my mind.
Hiromu, what did I tell you? *Hi5*

Hi,Ron
'ever made in recent years' starter braxus said.....,but last SSMM had discontinued almost 10years ago!*headache*
Recent years? Recent years?.......*scratchchin*
It's HF*idea*
very simple! Ha,Ha,Ha,....
Hiromu

[n2068dd]

+1 on the HF as for the "current" cassettes. *bigthumbup*
about the best of the best in general...
still i didn't try MA-XG or SMM or Vertex... but i liked a lot the early Sony Metal ES and the That's MR-X PRO... but i have a couple of "Suono" to try soon. *devil*

Hi Vince
Yes,'in general...'*lmao*
Maybe,Ron must report us MA-XG 'Fermo' soon.*naughty*
but, It would be a dilemma for him to open the brand new sealded MA-XG .*devil*
I have that "Suono" ,too.
My favorite tape was old Fuji SR and FR.*praise*
I only have one sealed tape each.
I'll open just before I'll die.*drool* Ha,Ha,Ha

Hiromu

[dr.bo]

Maybe I missed it, but in type IIs, there is the TDK SA-XG, and the SONY UX Master

[CottonSwab]

Maybe,Ron must report us MA-XG 'Fermo' soon.*naughty*
but, It would be a dilemma for him to open the brand new sealded MA-XG .*devil*
Hiromu

Yes it's a dilemma, more a traumatic experience...
First I have to honor it with the correct music! *fit*

*eyepop*

I will do it soon I think in denial!
... Maybe later *devil*

I missed the part about recent years sorry folks.

[vince666]

Hi Vince
Yes,'in general...'*lmao*

of course.... eheheh *grin*

CHEERS,

Vince.

[darkstar078]

i suggest also the Sony HF-ES which are very nice too.

Nice but can't find that tape here so that would not melt the ice. *devil*

[mrfoxboy]

I like TDK D as for any normal for day-to-day, vinyl safety copies, regular stuff. It will dial in piece of cake, and the marantz also likes it (It does not have bias control)

TDK SA for High Bias. it sounds good on anything that isn't a BPC ghettoblaster with no chrome switch