Re: Akai blank cassette question

"CLM in ND" <camarvel8@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:832a2758-cd05-4c08-adbb-6489080b72b0@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> I'm planning on recording some music that's only on my computer onto
> cassettes for a back-up.  One of the reasons is regarding the dubios
> durability issues of CD-R's, and also becasue I miss making tapes on
> my tape deck, an NAD 613.
>
> My supply of high bias cassettes is a bit low & it seems stores don't
> carry them anymore.  I remember about 15 years ago, BEST & Montgomery
> Wards had the best selection of cassettes, as did many mall music
> stores.  Now, most stores, even Best Buy, just carry Sony HF or Maxell
> UR normal bias tapes.  It also seems as though the Maxell XLII-S is no
> longer made and Sony doesn't make any high bias cassettes anymore.
>
> Luckily, there are quite a few tape wholesalers online where I can get
> a real good price on type II tapes from TDK, Fuji, Maxell, etc...  One
> site has 90 minute Akai high bias cassettes for only 80 cents each:
>
>
http://www.batteriesandbutter.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AKAIGX-90&Category_Code=ta
>
> That seems almost too good to be true, a 10 count box for only $8.00.
> However, I haven't been able to find any reviews regarding them.   I'm
> familiar with their tape decks, but not so much with their tapes.  Has
> anyone ever tried these cassettes?  Did you like them?  How is the
> quality & sound compared to TDK, Maxell, etc...  Any info would be
> appreciated.
>
> Cameron


The best cassette for your machine is whatever tape the bias and
sensitivity 
was set-up for. Tapes vary widely in their formulations, and amongst the 
reputable manufacturers there's little difference in their ultimate 
performance, but a very large difference in how they perform in your 
particular machine. When I used to be a ****amichi dealer, I would line-up 
each machine sold individually for the buyer's preferred tape. We then had

to realign the machines when the the formulation changed, as manufacturers

would always "improve" the tape to make it a bit more sensitive, or with 
better hf response etc.

My advice to you is to buy these AKAI tapes as you have very limited
choice, 
then get your machine properly set-up to use these tapes. It's only the 
record side that varies with tape formulation as bias affects hf level and

distortion, and the tape's sensitivity affects Dolby tracking. Setting up 
the record side properly will ensure that the tapes you record are
recorded 
to the Dolby standard and with correct equalization so they will play back

correctly in all machines.

You do need however, to have the replay side checked for accuracy as you 
adjust the record side to match the playback which should be standard.

Good luck

S.

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