Denon HD-X - 1988/1989 - US
"This HD-X is their top of the line Type II - Metal, ferric and cobalt particles, but for Type II bias. These tapes do have more hiss than a normal cobalt/ferric Type II, but it's negated by the fact that the manufacturer recommends these are recorded at +7db (look at the back of the wrapper)." Tony Villa
Collector's Corner:
(a) Large Hubs on all lengths.
(b) Refer to each individual item (nos. 1-11) for details about the tape's condition, i.e. cuts, rips, tears, cracks, repairs, etc. Also use the images provided to look for any detail not written down in the notes below. All of these tapes have some kind of blemish on their wrappers.
(c) Not all will be made available all at once, and there is only one of each.
(d) All "repaired" tears and rips were accomplished by using a strong, clear and clean (no fingerprints) adhesive tape. The reason for these "repairs" is not to conceal anything, but rather try and avoid any further accidental damage from occurring.
(e) All cassettes go through a bit of surface cleaning (watered down Windex solution), and a tactile inspection for possible cracks under the wrappers where it is not visible. If such defects are detected, they will be mentioned here and throughout the site for all cassettes.
For the recording artists: The formulation for these HD-X tapes appear to be in line with the more common 1988 HD8 cassettes. Denon used their pure metal particles with cobalt doped ferric oxide formulation, one that closely approaches the extended frequency response of Metal cassettes, while remaining on the more flexible Type II setting.
The Lol Statement: These were made for the Japanese domestic market, which, true to form... often got the most polished, highest‑spec versions. The international editions tended to be dialed back a touch, something collectors have noticed across tapes, Hi‑Fi gear, and plenty of other categories. The contrast is hard not to smile at, once you’ve seen it enough times. Lol
Note 1: C42: #105: Two minor cracks at the top edge on the front side of the case. Pronounced cracks on the bottom right side of the case. You may wish to replace the case, but it may not be necessary.
Note 2: C42: #104: One 3.3mm (1.25") hairline crack on the front side. One large tear on the back (repaired)
Note 3: C42: #103: One 1.0cm (3/8") hairline crack on the front. One tiny rip on the back top right hand corner (not repaired).
Note 4: C42: #102: One tear on the top left hand side on the front (repaired). One tear on the to right hand side on the back (clear tape added),
Note 5: C42: #101: Minor blemishes. See pics.
Note 6: C50: #103: One 1.2mm (1/2") hairline crack on the front side. One large tear on the left edge on the front (not repaired).
Note 7: C50: #102: One cut on the lower edge on the back (repaired). Look for other small blemishes, see pictures.
Note 8: C50: #101: Light to moderate scuffing. No other visible significant blemishes.
Note 9: C60: #102: Moderately scuffed wrapper. Small blemishes. See pictures.
Note 10: C60: #101: One large tear on the bottom left edge of the case on the front side (repaired), nothing else worth noting.
Note 11: C80: Small wrapper issues on the front and one tear on the left hand side edge of the case (repaired).
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Watch below a video by Tony Villa on these Denon cassettes:
About Denon:
Denon (株式会社デノン Kabushiki Kaisha Denon) is a Japanese electronics company that began in 1910 within Japan’s first record company, and later became the premium brand of Nippon Columbia, after absorbing Nippon Denki Onkyo in 1939. It was also involved in the early stages of development of digital audio technology, while specializing in the manufacture of high-fidelity professional and consumer audio equipment.
Denon entered the cassette market in 1968, producing high‑quality lines such as MS, DH, LX, and the respected DX series, known for advanced magnetic formulations and precise shells. Denon also supplied professional tape technology to NHK, which adopted several of their products as broadcast standards. Their HiFi influence extended to cassette decks, studio gear, and major digital milestones, including the first practical PCM recorder in 1972. In 2002, Denon and Marantz became sister brands under D&M Holdings, later Sound United, and now Masimo. Cassette production ended in the early 2000s, but Denon continues today as a leading manufacturer of HiFi components, AV receivers, and digital audio systems.
Denon tapes were primarily manufactured by Nippon Columbia, with later OEM support from SKC and Saehan. Denon themselves supplied tape formulations to NHK and produced Columbia‑branded tapes that were effectively Denon products.
Denon HD-X - 1988 - JP - Made in Japan