This continues my evaluation of old cassette tapes, using my Nakamichi BX-300E deck and Audiotester software. This time a bunch of entry-level ferrics spanning three decades. You can find the equivalents from Maxell here, and from TDK here. And then there is of course the brand-new Recording The Masters Fox ferric.
For details on the measurement method look here.
Maxell UR (1994) (what the deck was calibrated for)
Relative sensitivity: (reference)
THD @ Dolby level: 0.42%
MOL400(THD=1%): +3.4dB
MOL400(THD=3%): +5.3dB
MOL1k(THD=3%): +2.9dB
SOL10k: -1.3dB
Bias noise: -49.5dB, -52.5dB(A)
Dynamic range: 57.8dB
Concerning sensitivity at 400Hz this UR seems a close match for the 1981 and 1994 IEC I references. At 10kHz UR sits between the old and the new reference.
Akai SX (1991)
Relative bias: +3
Relative sensitivity: -0.9dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.60%
MOL400(1%): +1.5dB
MOL400(3%): +4.2dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.2dB
SOL10k: -1.6dB
Bias noise: -48.6dB, -52.0dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.2dB
Made by Saehan.
Ampex 370 (1974)
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Relative sensitivity: -1.6dB
THD @ Dolby level: 4.5%
MOL400(1%): -5.1dB
MOL400(3%): -1.4dB
MOL1k(3%): -0.7dB
SOL10k: -3.7dB
Bias noise: -47.5dB, -50.4dB(A)
Dynamic range: 49.0dB
AudioSonic Dynamic Ferro (19??)
Relative bias: -5
Relative sensitivity: +0.3dB
THD @ Dolby level: 2.5%
MOL400(1%): -3.6dB
MOL400(3%): +0.7dB
Bias noise: -46.9dB, -49.8dB(A)
Dynamic range: 50.5dB
AudioSonic was, and surprisingly still is, a trader of very low cost, low quality audio components. This cassette probably stems from the early 80s and can be considered to belong to the species of brandless tapes that were nicknamed 'type 0'. Even minimum bias could not yield a flat response, but curiously sensitivity was higher than the reference. Output levels and bias noise are outright bad.
Denon DX1 (1983)
Relative sensitivity: -0.2dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.70%
MOL400(1%): +1.0dB
MOL400(3%): +3.7dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.4dB
SOL10k: -1.7dB
Bias noise: -47.9dB, -51.0dB(A)
Dynamic range: 54.7dB
Fuji ER (1982)
Relative sensitivity: -0.2dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.0%
MOL400(1%): 0dB
MOL400(3%): +2.4dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.0dB
SOL10k: -1.7dB
Bias noise: -50.4dB, -53.8dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.2dB
Fuji FR-I (1982)
Relative sensitivity: +0.5dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.46%
MOL400(1%): +3.4dB
MOL400(3%): +5.9dB
MOL1k(3%): +5.1dB
SOL10k: -0.4dB
Bias noise: -49.2dB, -52.9dB(A)
Dynamic range: 58.8dB
There was a lot of difference between side A and B, possibly indicative of wear and azimuth instability. Bias was probably set a bit low in order to compensate for treble losses. Otherwise this would have been an excellent tape.
Fuji DR (1985)
Relative sensitivity: -0.9dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.0%
MOL400(1%): 0dB
MOL400(3%): +3.2dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.0dB
SOL10k: -1.0dB
Bias noise: -48.5dB, -51.8dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.0dB
Made by Saehan.
Fuji DR-Ix (1990)
Relative sensitivity: -0.4dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.82%
MOL400(1%): +0.7dB
MOL400(3%): +3.4dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.9dB
SOL10k: -1.6dB
Bias noise: -49.7dB, -53.2dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.6dB
HEMA Super Ferro HD (1982?)
Relative sensitivity: -0.2dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.67%
MOL400(1%): +1.3dB
MOL400(3%): +4.5dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.8dB
SOL10k: -1.3dB
Bias noise: -48.4dB, -51.6dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.1dB
This is an Agfa Ferrocolor HD, rebranded for the Dutch chain-store HEMA.
Kenwood N (1982)
Relative sensitivity: -0.5dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.45%
MOL400(1%): +1.0dB
MOL400(3%): +2.0dB
MOL1k(3%): +1.6dB
SOL10k: -2.6dB
Bias noise: -48.5dB, -51.4dB(A)
Dynamic range: 53.4dB
This is a rebranded TDK D.
Kenwood ND (1982)
Relative sensitivity: +0.3dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.48%
MOL400(1%): +2.6dB
MOL400(3%): +4.8dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.9dB
SOL10k: -0.9dB
Bias noise: -50.1dB, -53.4dB(A)
Dynamic range: 58.2dB
This should be a rebranded TDK AD, although its compatibility parameters differ somewhat from my AD sample, probably due to process variation.
Memorex MRX2 (1974)
Relative sensitivity: 0dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.0%
MOL400(1%): 0dB
MOL400(3%): +2.6dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.4dB
SOL10k: -2.5dB
Bias noise: -48.4dB, -51.6dB(A)
Dynamic range: 54.2dB
This is the one from the 'Is It Live ...' ads. In the 1973 October issue of Audio one M.B.Martin writes that for a high-quality reproduction of music four different tape classes can be considered: 1) Low Noise High Output, 2) chromium dioxide, 3) magnetite or cobalt-doped gamma ferric oxide, and 4) ... highly-developed gamma ferric oxide or MRX2.
MRX2 in a class of its own! How bullish! Small detail: the author of that magazine article was a Memorex employee.
Memorex MRX3 (1978)
Relative sensitivity: +0.2dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.0.%
MOL400(1%): 0dB
MOL400(3%): +3.0dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.2dB
SOL10k: -1.5dB
Bias noise: -49.1dB, -52.3dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.3dB
Memorex MRXI (1982)
Relative bias: -1
Relative sensitivity: +0.5dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.52%
MOL400(1%): +2.2dB
MOL400(3%): +5.3dB
MOL1k(3%): +4.4dB
SOL10k: -1.4dB
Bias noise: -48.7dB, -51.9dB(A)
Dynamic range: 57.2dB
The tape surface was free of blemishes, and yet the measurements clearly show wear.
Memorex dBS (1987)
Relative sensitivity: 0dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.40%
MOL400(1%): +4.0dB
MOL400(3%): +6.5dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.0dB
SOL10k: +0.1dB
Bias noise: -46.6dB, -50.0dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.5dB
Made by SKC.
Memorex dB (1991)
Relative sensitivity: -0.6dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.60%
MOL400(1%): +1.5dB
MOL400(3%): +4.4dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.7dB
SOL10k: -2.1dB
Bias noise: -49.7dB, -53.0dB(A)
Dynamic range: 57.4dB
Memorex DBx (1995)
Relative sensitivity: 0dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.55%
MOL400(1%): +1.9dB
MOL400(3%): +4.9dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.0dB
SOL10k: -1.7dB
Bias noise: -48.4dB, -51.5dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.4dB
According to Hi-Fi Choice November 1995 the rights to the Memorex brand name fell into BASF's hands, at least for Europe. This DBx sports a BASF shell, AGFA-style hubs, but the tape is very slightly redder than 1991 or 1995 Ferro Extra I.
PDM FE (1990)
Relative sensitivity: -0.6dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.58%
MOL400(1%): +1.5dB
MOL400(3%): +4.3dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.8dB
SOL10k: -1.1dB
Bias noise: -49.2dB, -52.7dB(A)
Dynamic range: 57.0dB
Made by SKC. There is also a version with gold lettering on the cassette. The tape appears to be the same.
PDM FE (1990)
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Relative sensitivity: -0.1dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.46%
MOL400(1%): +2.4dB
MOL400(3%): +5.0dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.3dB
SOL10k: -1.4dB
Bias noise: -49.5dB, -53.2dB(A)
Dynamic range: 58.2dB
Also made by SKC.
PDM FE (1994)
Relative sensitivity: +0.5dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.52%
MOL400(1%): +2.7dB
MOL400(3%): +5.3dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.7dB
SOL10k: -1.1dB
Bias noise: -48.8dB, -52.2dB(A)
Dynamic range: 57.5dB
Made in Germany, by Dessauer Magnetband (ex-VEB/ORWO).
Permaton Super Ferro I (1980)
Relative sensitivity: -1.9dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.4%
MOL400(1%): -0.7dB
MOL400(3%): +2.2dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.3dB
SOL10k: -1.7dB
Bias noise: -50.2dB, -53.6dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.8dB
The tape is black, suggesting magnetite. Some of the parameters are similar to Agfa Superferro HDX.
Philips SQ (1981)
Relative sensitivity: -0.9dB
THD @ Dolby level: 3.9%
MOL400(1%): -4.4dB
MOL400(3%): -0.8dB
MOL1k(3%): -1.1dB
SOL10k: -2.0dB
Bias noise: -48.8dB, -52.0dB(A)
Dynamic range: 51.2dB
Philips EQ-I (1984)
Relative sensitivity: -1.2dB
THD @ Dolby level: 4.3%
MOL400(1%): -4.7dB
MOL400(3%): -1.0dB
MOL1k(3%): -1.8dB
SOL10k: -2.8dB
Bias noise: -49.3dB, -52.2dB(A)
Dynamic range: 51.2dB
Philips FE-I (1984)
Relative sensitivity: +0.8dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.57%
MOL400(1%): +2.0dB
MOL400(3%): +4.8dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.0dB
SOL10k: -1.6dB
Bias noise: -48.9dB, -51.9dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.7dB
Philips UF-I (1984)
Relative sensitivity: +1.0dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.45%
MOL400(1%): +4.6dB
MOL400(3%): +7.0dB
MOL1k(3%): +4.7dB
SOL10k: 0dB
Bias noise: -46.9dB, -50.2dB(A)
Dynamic range: 57.2dB
As usually with older Philips the shell quality is not impressive. The tape, on the other hand, surprises with excellent MOL and SOL (although the 1kHz MOL was remarkably inferior in the right channel). The very high noise cripples the end result, making this premium ferric barely an improvement over the entry-level FE-I.
Philips FS (1990)
Relative sensitivity: -0.6dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.65%
MOL400(1%): +1.0dB
MOL400(3%): +3.9dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.5dB
SOL10k: -1.4dB
Bias noise: -49.7dB, -53.3dB(A)
Dynamic range: 57.2dB
Yet another tape made by SKC.
Philips FSX (1990)
Relative sensitivity: +0.2dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.56%
MOL400(1%): +3.9dB
MOL400(3%): +6.5dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.2dB
SOL10k: -1.5dB
Bias noise: -48.7dB, -51.8dB(A)
Dynamic range: 58.3dB
Philips CD One (1994)
Relative sensitivity: -0.3dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.80%
MOL400(1%): +0.7dB
MOL400(3%): +3.3dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.6dB
SOL10k: -0.8dB
Bias noise: -48.7dB, -51.8dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.1dB
Made by Greencorp, Australia. Severe high treble peaking, but operating at higher bias resulted in a depression around 10kHz, which would be more audible.
Philips CD One (1998)
Relative sensitivity: 0dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.48%
MOL400(1%): +2.3dB
MOL400(3%): +5.0dB
MOL1k(3%): +4.7dB
SOL10k: -1.2dB
Bias noise: -48.6dB, -51.8dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.8dB
Made by Emtec.
RAKS ED-X (1990)
Relative sensitivity: +0.4dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.55%
MOL400(1%): +2.0dB
MOL400(3%): +5.3dB
MOL1k(3%): +4.2dB
SOL10k: -1.2dB
Bias noise: -48.3dB, -51.7dB(A)
Dynamic range: 57.0dB
Realistic Supertape Gold Plus (1983)
Relative sensitivity: 0dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.57%
MOL400(1%): +2.0dB
MOL400(3%): +5.2dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.1dB
SOL10k: -1.4dB
Bias noise: -47.7dB, -51.0dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.2dB
Made by ICM.
Sanyo LN (1978)
Relative sensitivity: -1.4dB
THD @ Dolby level: 4.2%
MOL400(1%): -4.9dB
MOL400(3%): -1.4dB
MOL1k(3%): -1.6dB
SOL10k: -5.3dB
Bias noise: -49.6dB, -52.5dB(A)
Dynamic range: 51.1dB
Schneider Ferro LN (1985)
Relative sensitivity: +0.1dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.70%
MOL400(1%): +1.2dB
MOL400(3%): +4.2dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.6dB
SOL10k: -1.1dB
Bias noise: -48.3dB, -51.5dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.7dB
Scotch High Energy (1972)
Relative sensitivity: +1.0dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.7%
MOL400(1%): -1.8dB
MOL400(3%): +2.2dB
MOL1k(3%): +1.0dB
SOL10k: -4.0dB
Bias noise: -49.4dB, -52.6dB(A)
Dynamic range: 54.8dB
This is an early superferric with cobalt doping. MOL is poor, and distortion is high over a wide signal span. But let's not forget that many of the era's decks had meter-zero at 160nWb/m, 2.6dB below Dolby level, so that most users probably never noticed this. Noise is quite low.
Scotch High Energy (1975)
Relative sensitivity: -0.2dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.7%
MOL400(1%): -1.6dB
MOL400(3%): +2.1dB
MOL1k(3%): +1.5dB
SOL10k: -1.9dB
Bias noise: -49.5dB, -53.3dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.4dB
Scotch Superferric (1979)
Relative sensitivity: 0dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.25%
MOL400(1%): -0.9dB
MOL400(3%): +3.0dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.4dB
SOL10k: -1.2dB
Bias noise: -49.2dB, -52.5dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.5dB
Used, but in good condition. A surprise, because the shell is legendarily bad, with fixed 'rollers' that only serve to accumulate gunk. The tape surface looks uneven in colour, maybe even rough. Its performance suggests an evolution of High Energy, with slightly higher MOL and higher noise netting the same dynamic range.
Scotch CX (1982)
Relative sensitivity: -1.8dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.7%
MOL400(1%): -1.6dB
MOL400(3%): +1.9dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.1dB
SOL10k: -1.9dB
Bias noise: -48.3dB, -51.8dB(A)
Dynamic range: 53.7dB
An early (?) tape by SKC, this 'Scotch' is markedly inferior to even 1975's High Energy. And this was not even the brand's entry level model!
Scotch XSI (1982)
Relative sensitivity: +0.3dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.65%
MOL400(1%): +1.3dB
MOL400(3%): +3.3dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.3dB
SOL10k: -1.6dB
Bias noise: -48.8dB, -52.1dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.4dB
Probably the same as Denon DX3. Supposedly a premium product XSI improves indeed on CX, but falls short compared to contemporaries such as Maxell UD and TDK AD.
Scotch BX (1993)
Relative sensitivity: +1.2dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.55%
MOL400(1%): +3.0dB
MOL400(3%): +6.0dB
MOL1k(3%): +4.6dB
SOL10k: -0.7dB
Bias noise: -47.1dB, -50.3dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.3dB
Another SKC tape. Somewhat odd compatibility parameters, very high MOL and SOL, but sadly also high noise.
Sonotech (199?)
Relative sensitivity: -0.5dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.75%
MOL400(1%): +1.0dB
MOL400(3%): +4.0dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.1dB
SOL10k: -1.1dB
Bias noise: -46.8dB, -49.8dB(A)
Dynamic range: 53.8dB
Spectra MX1 (198?)
Relative sensitivity: -1.3dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.25%
MOL400(1%): -0.8dB
MOL400(3%): +2.6dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.5dB
SOL10k: -1.8dB
Bias noise: -49.5dB, -52.9dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.5dB
I have never heard of Spectra. None of the usual tape cataloguing websites mention it. The shell is a dead ringer for Maxell's 1980 UD, except for a slightly larger font size for the 'A' and 'B', and break-out type II tabs (!). Internally the shell differs in architecture, slip sheets, and pressure pad, so this is clearly not a Maxell. Overall workmanship is fine, so this is not a type 0. The tape's quality is in line with e.g. the Scotch Superferric seen above, and a cut above TDK D or Maxell UL. This said, there was a lot of chatter during winding.
TEAC CDX (1990)
Relative sensitivity: -0.7dB
MOL400(3%): +2.8dB
Bias noise: -47.9dB, -50.9dB(A)
Dynamic range: 53.7dB
A rebadged GoldStar HP. I used these reliably for years in my car, and they are still pristine. High noise.
That's FX (1986)
Relative sensitivity: +0.5dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.57%
MOL400(1%): +4.9dB
MOL400(3%): +7.0dB
MOL1k(3%): +3.4dB
SOL10k: -0.8dB
Bias noise: -49.8dB, -53.1dB(A)
Dynamic range: 60.1dB
That's' illustrious and rare first super-ferric. I was happy to source a used one in excellent condition, at quite a cost! Excellent MOL and SOL, somewhat lacking 1kHz MOL.
That's RX (1989)
Relative sensitivity: -0.5dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.40%
MOL400(1%): +2.6dB
MOL400(3%): +4.6dB
MOL1k(3%): +5.0dB
SOL10k: -0.9dB
Bias noise: -47.1dB, -50.6dB(A)
Dynamic range: 55.6dB
That's AS:I (1990)
Relative sensitivity: -0.4dB
THD @ Dolby level: 0.41%
MOL400(1%): +1.8dB
MOL400(3%): +4.6dB
MOL1k(3%): +4.2dB
SOL10k: -1.3dB
Bias noise: -49.5dB, -52.9dB(A)
Dynamic range: 57.5dB
According to That's ranking this should be a premium ferric. While it improves on previous year's RX indeed, ultimately its performance does not exceed e.g. Maxell UR. Nice smooth shell.
Watson HiFi Super Ferro I (1979)
Relative sensitivity: -0.4dB
THD @ Dolby level: 1.2%
MOL400(1%): +0.5dB
MOL400(3%): +2.6dB
MOL1k(3%): +2.0dB
SOL10k: -2.0dB
Bias noise: -48.7dB, -51.9dB(A)
Dynamic range: 54.5dB
Watson is the brand name used for the Metro retail group's own consumer electronics products. This tape originated at ICM and was meant as a premium ferric. The tape itself may have been competitive, but the shell was very chattery, and during a first 0dB run the deck stalled. Because of this, and because of the poor MOL, I did not attempt a +6dB curve.
prerecorded (1992)
Relative sensitivity: 0dB
MOL400(3%): +6.0dB
Bias noise: -47.0dB, -50.3dB(A)
Dynamic range: 56.3dB
I thought it fun to see how a prerecorded cassette without any pretensions would fare. This one was released by Philips in 1992. Interesting to note that the compatibility parameters are close to UR (and many other ferrics, of course). Noise is high, but MOL is surprisingly good.
INDEX OF ALL CASSETTES
