AXIA K-metal Type IV Black Slim Case, inner Japanese market 1996 - Sealed, NOS, Black Slim Case, 2 pieces in a pack

For sale is a lot of 10 AXIA K-metal Type IV Black Slim Case cassettes, a highly sought-after model known for its superior sound quality and durability. Each cassette offers 74 minutes of playback/recording time. These were limited-production cassettes in 1996, specifically designed for the highly competitive domestic Japanese market. The cassettes are presented in original blocks of two cassettes per block, five blocks in total, 10 cassettes.

The buyer must know that they are responsible for determining whether purchasing a lot of cassettes in their region may result in tax consequences or import duties. In this case, the seller is not accountable for any import duties, customs, or other charges and deductions that may be associated with the buyer's purchase of the lot.

🔩 AXIA K Metal (1996, Slim Case)

• Positioning: Trendy, stylish metal tape targeted at younger audiophiles and general music fans.
• Sound Signature: Balanced and clean, though not quite as aggressive or “hot” in dynamics as PS Metal.
• Mechanics: Solid shell, slim case, smooth transport, decent anti-resonance design.
• Design: Bold graphics, playful arrows/symbols—marketed with a "fun" image.
• Use Case: Good for everyday high-fidelity music dubbing and playback, especially pop, rock, or electronic music.
• Availability: Rare; not heavily produced in Japan.

​The AXIA K Metal is a high-quality Type IV (metal bias) cassette tape produced by Fuji Photo Film under the AXIA brand, primarily for the Japanese market. Released in 1996, it was designed for audiophiles and professionals seeking superior analog recording performance.​

🎛️ Technical Specifications

Tape Type: Type IV (Metal)

Tape Width: 0.15 inches (3.81 mm)

Track Width:

Mono: 1.5 mm

Stereo: 0.6 mm per channel

Head Gap: 2 μm

Tape Speed: 1⅞ inches per second (4.76 cm/s)​

🎧 Performance Characteristics

Linear Frequency Response: Offers a smooth and linear frequency response with minimal auto-bias impact above 1 kHz.

Dynamic Handling: Capable of managing loud dynamics effectively, though it may exhibit slightly softer loudness compared to some competitors.

Tape Mechanism: Features a stable tape running mechanism, ensuring reliable playback and recording.​

🎨 Design & Packaging

Case: Slim black case with a modern design.

Design Elements: Incorporates creative graphics, including arrows and playback symbols, reflecting a trendy aesthetic.

Branding: Marketed as a "new generation sound for music fans," emphasizing its appeal to discerning listeners.​

🛒 Availability

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

The AXIA K Metal is among the premium offerings in AXIA’s lineup of Type IV metal bias cassettes.

These cassettes were purchased from Japan's Yahoo auction several years ago and kept in a cool place (basement), odor-free, pet-free, and non-smoking home environment.

I own a huge cassette collection from 1980 to 1990 in the last century. Now, I'm starting to limit collection to the rarest items and focusing on 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.

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.

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 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. 

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

I have many different cassette tapes for sale, NOS, and they are in collectible mint condition. Don't hesitate to ask.