Test Review #2
A tape for the digital age.

  I utilized something that had great range and was enjoyable to listen to. This decision was mainly because I had just picked it randomly. This song was a major favorite growing up.

  The HX-S was along the look of the usual upper class TDK cassette of the mid-80's. The window was the larger size compared to just the pre-recorded variety. SA, SA-X, AD-X and few more shared this look. The long labels transfix smoothly and with no residue when removed. The foil label on the bottom is black and silver, slightly different that the usual SA or MA labels. The spools are just your usual white with the red holders. The shell itself is built very well and is lighter than the older styles of the early 80's. The tape itself looked a tad thinner than the usual rugged look of the D or the SA.

  As I was recording the music, I had to redo the song a couple of times as I notied my deck records to play back at about +2 to +4dB more in response. The HX-S is said to have a higher output that most cassettes. This brings out the highs to make the range fuller and better sounding. The HX-S averages out the souind so that the lows stay low and the highs become more enhanced. If a song seems to be ranging between 0 and +2, the HX-S will range that to about -3 to +4 dB. Therfore the disadvantage to it is that you would have to remember to record at a lower setting that you are used to. I eventually went with a source recording of +1dB average.

  This song I am using has some awesome bass with a lot of detail. "Freestyle" is a type of dance music that was popular among the late 80's with clubs and in that time became mainstream on the radio. This resulted in a lot of mixtapes at that time. Companies would come up with cassettes that would be of pro quality and maintain toughness playback after playback.

  The results were actually great once I got the level that suited me. The HX-S boosted the bass levels and highs to make the range full at +3db more than expected. The peak on playback was at about +5db on the Pioneer. There are no drops in detail. As a matter of fact, all the detail was there without as much as wimper. The overall change in range is massive if you think about it. This does result in a better range for listening pleasure. The bass is not too deep, so that you can hear the overall range without distortion.

Final Notes

  What can I say, TDK had another awesome tape to add to its massive line in the mid-80's. It's not certain where this tape ranks among the SA or SA-X, or wether it was better or not. According to TDK, the tape seemed to rank in the entry level of High Bias. The HX-S does wonders with CD inputs and was the tape of the future dealing with the digital age. If you want your music to stand out without it sounding flat, use this tape.

  Also, please keep in mind that the information is as accurate as my experience allows me. Different cassette decks produce different results. I make sure I maintain my equipment to optimum performance. Your opinion with this cassette and your experience with this cassette may differ as well. If you have any questions, please E-mail me.