TDK SA-X or Maxell XLII-S which do you prefer?

Dear keith: For years I use both in my Nak 700ZXL and I prefer the Maxell to the TDK, not that the TDK is not a good one it is but the sound through the TDK is a little ( only a little ) on the dark side and it is not a bias problem because my Nak makes all adjustements in precise and automatic way.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Maxell XLII-S outperforms TDK SA-X in both sound texture AND mechanics. TDK SM-X (professional)comes very close to XLII-S but still looses in body quality,later batches come without screws.

Especially if you're using a NAK use the Maxell tape. Nakamichi sold their own branded tapes in some, but not all markets, and they were made by Maxell. Some say the formula differed somewhat from XLII, etc but others say they are exactly the same. I only ever had a few samples (not sold in my market) and I would say they are the same, going by the smell test, which is surprisingly accurate.

I'm out of practice now, but at one time I could easily nail about a dozen formulas blindfolded just by smell. Each tape formula has a very distinct odour, even within the same brand. Pop the tape into a plastic bag and let is sit for a day, then take a whiff from the bag. You will be surprised how easy it is.

Nakamichi tapes are re-branded TDK not Maxell.
Maxell XLII-S and TDK SA-X sound different on NAK, in most cases I prefer Maxell. SA-X Limited is better than regular but only 100min., no 60 or 90.

XL1-S is lower distortion.