"FAQ's"
For those who love cassettes or those who want to know about cassettes, this is the place to be. These are the questions I get sometimes by email about cassettes, tape decks, tape care and other brands. Feel free to browse around and see which answers your question, and if you on't see something, you can always email me. I will answer your question and even put it up on the FAQ's. Enjoy!
How long will the (tape brand and model) last?   Usually Maxell's XLII and XLII-S last the longest as far as durability and strength. It also depends on usage. Common sense tell you not to use a fly-by-night tape company or anyone who charges a couple of cents for a tape that claims to be of "high quality" and it turns out to be a big time dud. Trust big name brands. It's your best bet.
Do 100 minute tapes last less time than 90's?   Usually Yes. 100 minute tapes are thinner than 90 minute tapes and therefore have slightly less durability than that of a 90 minute cassette. The Maxell XLII-S 100 cassettes actually almost have the same thickness as the 90's, and either way, strength isn't sacrificed at all. If you are dealing with 120 minute cassettes, good luck is all I have to say.
  The Maxell XLII-S, Denon MG-X, Denon HD8, Denon HD7 and TDK MA 110 are the only over 90 minute cassettes that are its most strong.
Are the tapes O.K. if you set them on top of a stereo or speakers?   A lot of people don't recommend that you set them on top of speakers mainly because they are magnetic. But it is not too damaging if at all any bit damaging. Same logic applies with stereos, the receivers mainly. For the magnetic aspect, CD players and other tape decks are fine, but the receiver itself not so much not just due to magnetics, but the heat that is generated out of them. More heat comes out of the receiver than out of a CD player or tape deck.
  Another myth I have heard is that if you set a tape on its side, the particles will drop to the other side of the tape. That's not true at all.
How did you determine your top 5?   Well, people are quite curious about why my Top 5 list has cassettes that most don't quite think is some of the best. To give you my equasion about it, I break it down like this: 50% is about recordability, 30% is about affordability, and the last 20% is about construction.
Is Fuji really THAT much better?   It depends on what you want to compare it to. I mean, a Fuji DRI isn't gonna outperform a TDK SA, but Fuji has its highlights. Granted, Fuji is more widely known for their film and video tapes, Fuji is very good in the audio department as well. The current DRII is the best current cassette on the market today, especially now that Maxell has discontinued the XLII-S. The current XLII and SA are quite blah.
What is the name of a really good cassette deck?   In one word: NAKAMICHI. It's the only way to go. Now you can only find them on eBay and they can still go for a lot.
If you want good quality without breaking the bank, go for an older Pioneer or Older JVC. Make sure your deck is made in Japan. Japanese quality is usually much better, especially than those made in China.
More to Come!   Is there anything that you are curious about? Do you need some questions answered? Or even giving your top 5? eMail me at chris@btgallery.com for more information, and you too can get your questions answered on this page!
Email me at chris@btgallery.com for questions, comments, contributions, or even your own Top 5 list.