AXIA PS Metal 54 for CD cassette tape 1996 - Sealed, NOS

Four brand-new cassettes, each running 54 minutes, are in two packs of two. They were purchased from Japan's Yahoo auction several years ago and kept in a cool place (basement, garage-level), odor-free, pet-free, no-smoking home environment. I have a huge cassette collection from 1980 to 1990 in the last century. Now, I'm starting to limit collection to the rarest items as Maxell Metal Vertex, Sony Metal Master, TDK MA-XG and MA-R, some TEAC Metal Reel cassettes, HITACHI Sound Break Reel, Victor Dynarec Reel, THAT's SUONO Metal, AXIA XD-Master and SD-Master, etc.

In the attached photos, you can see several tapes other than the AXIA PS Metal 54. These photos are for informational purposes only; the other tapes are not part of the current lot.

It is essential to understand that the seller is not responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or other charges related to the buyer's purchase of the lot.

The AXIA PS Metal is a premium Type IV metal bias cassette tape produced by Fuji under the AXIA brand during the 1990s. It was engineered for high-fidelity analog recording, catering to audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking superior sound quality.​

⚙️ AXIA PS Metal (Mid-1990s)

• Positioning: Flagship-level; aimed at serious recording enthusiasts and audiophiles.
• Sound Signature: Crisp highs, tight bass, excellent dynamic headroom.
• Build: Extremely well-built shell, METALLIX 3-layer coating, top-notch transport.
• Design: Premium aesthetic with gold or chrome-toned labeling.
• Use Case: Reference-grade recording; ideal for mastering or archiving.
• Availability: More frequently seen on collector sites, still rare.
• 🔧 Key Specifications

• Tape Type: Type IV (Metal)
• Magnetic Layer: 3-layer METALLIX particles
• Shell Design: Slim case with a gold and black aesthetic
• Recording Capacity: Available in lengths of 2x54 minutes in two sealed packs (4 cassettes in total)
• Manufacturing Origin: Made in Japan
• Release Period: Mid-1990s (notably around 1995–1996)​

🎧 Performance Highlights

• Sound Quality: Delivers clear highs and minimal hiss, providing a CD-like audio experience.
• Bias Compatibility: Optimized for zero-bias settings on many high-end cassette decks, ensuring accurate recording without extensive calibration.
• Mechanism: Features AXIA's stable tape running mechanism, enhancing reliability during playback and recording.​

🛍️ Availability

While the AXIA PS Metal series has been discontinued, sealed units occasionally surface on collector platforms and marketplaces. Due to their rarity and esteemed performance, cassette enthusiasts often seek them and may command premium prices.​

When using vintage cassettes for their intended purpose—recording master copies from vinyl or CD—there is always a risk of quality loss in the magnetic media due to improper storage conditions, especially considering the age of the cassette. However, this risk can be minimized by following several guidelines:

1. **Choose the Right Era**: Cassettes released in the late 1980s and early 1990s generally have a higher quality magnetic coating and shell construction. Some companies even produced special series designed for cars, where increased media heating is likely (for example, FUJI GT), or for portable devices like Walkmans, etc.

2. **Opt for Shorter Play Times**: Look for cassettes with shorter playback times—46, 50, 54, 60, 64, or 70 minutes—since they often use thicker film less prone to wear and mechanical and aging impact. Avoid cassettes with a running time of 120 or 150 minutes.

3. **Evaluate Seller Credibility**: Pay attention to the seller's reputation and how well they care for their magnetic media. While this does not guarantee quality, a careful storage history can enhance a cassette’s value and keep its initial mechanical conditions over time.

My collection started over a decade and a half ago, primarily sourced from Japanese auctions or purchases from American sellers with significant collections and high ratings.

To conclude, to be honest, neither I nor any other seller of vintage cassettes can guarantee that the magnetic media's current condition matches its specifications from the 1980s or 1990s of the last century. However, high-quality tapes, especially Type IV (Metal), often deliver excellent results even today. Of course, the performance also largely depends on the recording device used by the end user.

My recommendations are based on personal experience and reflect my subjective opinion only.

I have AXIA PS Metal tapes with running times of 64, 70, and 80 minutes in similar x2 packages, NOS, with a slight price difference. Don't hesitate to ask.