Maxell XLI-S - 1994 - JP
If you’re looking at this cassette, it’s because you already know what it can deliver. These Super Ferric formulations earned their reputation by performing surprisingly close to Metal tapes... but with one huge advantage. As a Type I (120 µs) tape, it can be played and recorded on virtually any device: basic portables, boomboxes, Walkmans, car decks, or top‑tier Hi‑Fi machines. No special EQ settings, no compatibility worries, and none of the long‑term head wear associated with Metal formulations. You get exceptional performance with the broadest range of real‑world use.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: C46: #101: Two have a crack on the front side (not visible), and on the reverse side, one has a cut on the wrapper that was taped shut to save it from accidental further damage. The other one has the crack on the reverse side of the case (also not visible). Only 3 available
Note 2: C46: #102: These have a crack on the front side. One of them has a crack on one of its edges. Two available
Note 3: C46: #103: Moderately scuffed wrapper, but no visible cracks. It was tactile inspected, and there is no evidence of any cracks. Two available!
Note 4: C54: A couple of tiny wrapper blemishes. Near perfect. Only 1 available
Note 4A: C54: B-Grade: Lightly to moderately scuffed wrapper on the front side, cleaner on the reverse side. One ~2.0cm (~3/4") hairline crack on the front side of the case. Only 1 available
Note 5: C60: Visibly scuffed wrapper, like most here, one tear (repaired). It may have a hairline crack (front), but it is very hard to tell. It appears it's more like a heavy scratch. One 1 available
Note 6: C74: Cracked case on the front, but it's not visible. One other crack about 2.5cm (1") long along the lower edge on the reverse side. See pictures. The case will have to be replaced. Only 1 C74 available.
Note 7: C90: #101: Large crack on the front side. One tear (repaired). The case will have to be replaced.
Note 8: C90: #102: One apparent 2.5cm (1") hairline crack on the front side. One other possible crack (not visible) on the front of the case, lower right side. Other blemishes on it are rather are insignificant.
Note 9: C90: #103: Moderately scuffed wrapper, but it does not appear to have any cracks. Tactile inspected.
Note 10: C100: #101: Large tear on the left side edge of the wrapper (see picture). It appears there may one or two tiny pressure cracks, but nothing that warrants you to have to replace the case.
Note 11: C100: #102: One insignificant tear on the front lower right corner (not repaired). All else seems to be in great shape.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
About MAXELL:
Maxell Holdings, Ltd. (日立マクセル株式会社 Hitachi Makuseru Kabushiki-gaisha), commonly known as Maxell, is a Japanese company that manufactures consumer electronics.
Maxell, originally part of Hitachi’s corporate family, emerged in 1960 when a dry‑cell plant was established in Ibaraki, Osaka. In 1961, Hitachi consolidated its dry‑battery and magnetic‑tape operations into the new Maxell Electric Industrial Company, positioning the brand as Hitachi’s key vehicle for consumer recording media.
Throughout the cassette era, Maxell became one of the most respected tape manufacturers. Their formulations, especially the XLI-S (Normal), XLII‑S (CrO₂), and MX (pure metal particle), were widely regarded as peak‑performance examples of the Compact Cassette format, earning strong loyalty from audiophiles and home recording enthusiasts. Maxell also produced a full range of consumer and professional magnetic media, including computer and broadcast tapes, before later shifting away from in‑house optical and recording‑media production.
The company’s cultural visibility peaked in the 1980s with the “Blown Away Guy” advertising campaign, which cemented Maxell’s reputation for high‑performance audio cassettes. Even as Maxell diversified into batteries, storage, and functional materials, its cassette legacy, and its long-standing connection to Hitachi remains central to its identity.