TDK MA - 1988 - US
My favourite version of this legendary cassette, it just looks and sounds superb. Saying that, I think 1988 is my favourite year for TDKs.
These have come out of plastic sealed master boxes, so they're "boxfresh" and probably the finest on sale if you're buying to collect.
What about the "white powder"? Well, it's affected all the TDK metals I've opened lately, and these are affected. However, from the ones I've opened these are the least affected I've seen, so they have been stored well.
It's not as bad as some make out. It's not mould. It's lubricant. FF/REW these a few times in a winder or your deck (clean the tape path afterwards) and then it disappears. They record as superbly as you would expect.
You've got to be rich to buy this to open and record on, but this is a fantastic Type IV if that's what you want.
Note: New tapes available. Very little scuffing present on the wrappers, unlike shown in the pictures. Picture to follow as soon as possible.
NOTE: No site anywhere offers the quantity, quality and VALUE combined with the Lowest Shipping Fees anywhere. Add to that the Loyalty program that will offer you up to 12% OFF on future purchases.
About TDK:
TDK was founded in Tokyo, Japan, on 7 December 1935 to manufacture the iron-based magnetic material ferrite, which had been recently invented by Yogoro Kato and Takeshi Takei.[3] In 1952 and 1957 they began production of magnetic tapes, with compact cassette tapes following in 1966; it is for these that the company is most widely noted. TDK used to manufacture an extensive portfolio of magnetic and optical media, including several formats of videotape and blank CD-R and recordable DVD discs until the recording business was sold to Imation in 2007.
Operations in the USA began in 1965 with a New York City office,[4] and European operations began in 1970 with an office in Frankfurt, West Germany.[5]
Since 1997 TDK has gradually withdrawn from the production of compact cassettes. First with the MA-X and AR ("Acoustic Response"), then the AD ("Acoustic Dynamic") and SA-X line in 2001 and 2002 respectively, then the MA ("Metal Alloy") line in 2004. The SA ("Super Avilyn") and D ("Dynamic") lines were withdrawn in 2012 under Imation ownership. Industry trends see the company moving into new forms of media; in 2004 TDK was the first media manufacturer to join the companies developing BD post-DVD technology.[4] TDK operated a semiconductor division in California for about a decade, but divested it in 2005.
In late 2007, Imation acquired TDK's recording business, including flash media, optical media, magnetic tape, and accessories, for $300 million.[6][7] This also included a license to use the "TDK Life on Record" brand on data storage and audio products[8] for 25 years.[6] In September 2015, Imation announced that it had agreed to relinquish this license[9] and would cease selling TDK-branded products by the end of the year.[10]