Denon HD8 - 1988/1989 - US
Denon are consistently some of the most expensive blank Cassette brand out there.
This 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).
Two versions available...
(a) 1988: Original version, without the "BEST FOR CD" letters.
(b) 1989: New version shows the line "BEST FOR CD" in white letters on the front. This version also has both green and orange clips on the hubs of the 100 minutes tapes.
(a/b)90 Minutes only: Both 1988 and 1989 versions have the same black back.
Note 1: 60 Minutes: Original: Green hub clips. Out of Stock.
Note 2: 60 Minutes: "BEST FOR CD": Orange hub clips. Light to moderate scuffing. Only (2) available.
Note 3: 75 Minutes: Original: Green hub clips. One (1) available.
Note 4: 75 Minutes: "BEST FOR CD": Green hub clips. Out of Stock.
Note 5: 90 Minutes: Original: Green hub clips. Out of Stock.
Note 6: 90 Minutes: "BEST FOR CD": Green hub clips. One (1) available.
Note 7: 100 Minutes: Original: Green hub clips. Few available.
Note 8: 100 Minutes: "BEST FOR CD": Green hub clips. Few available. Some scuffing.
Note 9: 100 Minutes: "BEST FOR CD": Orange hub clips. Out of Stock.
Note 10: 90 Minutes: "BEST FOR CD": Green hub clips: 1989: B-Grade.
* B101 Light scuffing and one 2.2cm (7/8") hairline crack on the front side. One 1 available.
Note 11: 100 Minutes: Original: Green hub clip: 1989: B-Grade.
* B102 This one has a very clean wrapper, but it's got a corner piece torn off and gone, and one other tiny rip on the reverse side. See pics.
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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 HD8 - 1988/1989 - US