TDK MA EX Type IV - 1998 JP

MA-EX... The last "MA-X". The last Metal! So how does this last one rate?Without a reference deck but good enough to compare, ran MAEX against 1992 MA and Sony UX-Pro (type 2), which I always use as a reference. I still think the UX-Pro (or UX-Master) has the best detail, but MAEX is almost indistinguishable to UX Pro. I think my deck is primarily tuned best for type 2 tapes. So MAEX - it is superior to MA of course. Unfortunately I don't have another MA-X to compare, but I guess going to be the equal. Recording, it is not much much different to my digital sources. Amazing tape. Detail, and powerful. On a superior deck, might be as good as source. Overall, I think this last "MA-X" is the deal and is a deal, as usually overlooked, but possibly best value, and having a unique name, I think collectable as a special tape as well. Bit of a boring design, given predecessors but otherwise 5 stars indeed.

Sealed units so hopefully good quality! I just question my own sanity for paying the prices being asked for tapes these days! 🫣