DENON: cassette series catalogue

DX series

The series that represents DENON’s early cassette range was the first to use the name of Nippon Columbia’s high-end audio brand on cassette tapes.

The first models, DX3 and DX5, appeared in 1978 with two-layer magnetic coatings. The normal-type DX3 refined Columbia’s 3H, while DX5 was the company’s first ferrichrome cassette, using cobalt-added magnetic material instead of chromium. Both combined high performance with DENON’s substantial, premium appearance.

In 1979 they were joined by the standard but premium-looking DX1 and the Type II DX7, with two layers of different cobalt-based magnetic materials. The metal DXM followed in 1980. The normal-type DX4, positioned above DX3, arrived in 1982: its improved two-layer coating enhanced high-frequency performance and its wide-window shell used a new mechanism. In 1983 DX8 took its place above DX7. Although Type II, its コバルトフェライト複合メタル磁性体 (cobalt-ferrite composite metal magnetic material) gave it an 80 dB dynamic range.

DX1, Type I, from 1979

The entry-level DX1 joined the series a year after DX launched. It was sold alongside LX, the last model under the Nippon Columbia brand, for a time. Like LX, it was an inexpensive LN (Low Noise) tape. The design followed the first DX models and gave it a premium face. Four generations, excluding variants, appeared during seven years through 1985, making DX1 a representative early DENON normal cassette.

Second release, 1981: 50 minutes - ¥350 / 60 - ¥400 / 90 - ¥650 / 120 - ¥900. Fourth, 1985: 50 - ¥370 / 60 - ¥420 / 90 - ¥680 / 120 - ¥940.

DX3, Type I, from 1978

DENON was originally the name of Nippon Columbia's professional and high-end audio division. DX3 was one of the first cassettes marking the cassette division's move to the DENON brand in 1978. Its LH (Low Noise/High Output) formulation placed it above DX1. It had five generations, more than any other DX model, and a gold anniversary edition accompanied the third.

First release, 1978: 46 - ¥450 / 50 - ¥450 / 60 - ¥550 / 90 - ¥800. Second, 1981: 46 - ¥450 / 60 - ¥550 / 90 - ¥800. Third, 1983: 42 - ¥410 / 50 - ¥450 / 60 - ¥550 / 80 - ¥750 / 90 - ¥800. Fourth, 1984: 42 - ¥430 / 50 - ¥470 / 60 - ¥570 / 80 - ¥780 / 90 - ¥840.

The special gold DX3 marked the fifth anniversary of DX cassettes. Its supplied labels were also gold-based and differed from the regular version.

DX4, Type I, from 1982

DENON's first normal-type flagship appeared unexpectedly in 1982, when the DX range already seemed complete. Normal tapes were evolving rapidly and the class was becoming fiercely competitive. New high-sensitivity magnetic materials were developed for low and high frequencies. Three models appeared through 1985, establishing the template for DENON's high-performance normal tapes in the later 1980s.

First release, 1982: 42 - ¥460 / 50 - ¥510 / 60 - ¥650 / 80 - ¥850 / 90 - ¥950.

DX5, Type III, from 1978

Alongside DX3, this was one of the first cassettes released under the DENON name. It was notable for the rare ferrichrome Type III position, offered by only a few Japanese manufacturers. The second release in 1981 became Japan's last ferrichrome cassette and a legendary model.

First release, 1978: 46 - ¥550 / 50 - ¥550 / 60 - ¥750 / 90 - ¥1050.

DX8, Type II, 1983

This one-off model appeared in 1983, a year without a new DX7. Filling the missing number 8, it was a Type II with metal-like performance, comparable to TDK's HX. It was an unusual product for its time.

42 - ¥630 / 50 - ¥670 / 60 - ¥850 / 80 - ¥1050 / 90 - ¥1200.

DX7, Type II, from 1979

The first Type II in the DX series appeared in 1979. Perhaps because the Type III DX5 already existed, the high-position line was initially less active than normal tapes. It regained momentum as ferrichrome disappeared. Four models were released through 1984, laying the foundations of DENON's Type II range.

First release, 1979: 46 - ¥550 / 50 - ¥550 / 60 - ¥750 / 90 - ¥1050. Second, 1981: 50 - ¥550 / 60 - ¥750 / 90 - ¥1050. Fourth, 1984: 42 - ¥510 / 50 - ¥550 / 60 - ¥750 / 80 - ¥950 / 90 - ¥1050.

DXM, Type IV, from 1980

A little later than its competitors, Nippon Columbia released its first metal tape under the DENON name in 1980. The second generation the following year was the last. A black shell and black-and-gold sticker label gave it a premium appearance. It remained the flagship until the mid-1980s.

First release, 1980: 50 - ¥1050. Second, 1981: 50 - ¥950 / 60 - ¥1150 / 90 - ¥1600.

MD, Type IV, from 1985

DENON's second metal tape followed DXM. Newly developed metal powder increased magnetic energy by 30%. Three generations appeared between 1985 and 1989: the first had a wide window, the second a Wスルーハーフ (W-through shell with two windows), and the third a diagonally cut version of that shell. They show how DENON's style changed.

Second release, 1987: 46 - ¥780 / 50 - ¥800 / 74 - ¥1100 / 100 - ¥1400.

RD series

The RD series of normal music cassettes succeeded DX in the second half of the 1980s. Its first model, RD-X, was the high-grade successor to DX4. Newly developed, ultra-sensitive ノンポア磁性酸化鉄 (non-porous magnetic iron oxide) gave it a high maximum output level (MOL) approaching that of metal tape. Its distinctive bridge hubs used DENON’s DB (Dynamic Balance) design.

RD followed as the successor to DX3. Behind its casual appearance was a high-performance tape with ノンポアコバルト被着酸化鉄 (non-porous cobalt-coated iron oxide), high coercivity and sensitivity. RD-Z, introduced below RD in 1987, used ultra-fine, ultra-sensitive magnetic iron oxide for nearly the same performance, with a more expensive appearance than its price suggested.

The flagship RD-XS arrived in 1988 with non-porous ウルトラファイン・コバルトモディファイド磁性体 (ultra-fine cobalt-modified magnetic material). Its distinctive ニュー・Wスルーハーフ (new W-through twin-window shell) reduced vibration. The second generation became considerably cheaper. A stylish version of RD-X called Zippy-I (RD-R) also appeared in 1988.

RD, from 1986

The direct descendant of DX3 and the standard RD model. Its first generation appeared in 1986 after the DX series was discontinued; the second and last followed in 1987. Variants subsequently carried the name. The original heading says Type II, although the series description identifies RD as normal type.

42 - ¥430 / 46 - ¥450 / 50 - ¥470 / 60 - ¥550 / 80 - ¥750 / 90 - ¥800 / 120 - ¥1150.

RD-X, Type I, from 1986

The first RD model and high-grade successor to DX4 used cobalt-added non-porous magnetic material for powerful lows and mids and sparkling highs. The first two generations had precision wide-window shells; the third adopted a precision twin-window shell like MD's. It was DENON's top normal tape until RD-XS appeared.

Second release, 1987: 42 - ¥460 / 46 - ¥480 / 50 - ¥500 / 60 - ¥630 / 80 - ¥840 / 90 - ¥940. Third, 1988: 45 - ¥450 / 50 - ¥480 / 64 - ¥600 / 74 - ¥650 / 80 - ¥750. Fourth, 1989: 42 - ¥420 / 46 - ¥430 / 50 - ¥460 / 54 - ¥480 / 64 - ¥580 / 70 - ¥610 / 74 - ¥630 / 84 - ¥680 / 90 - ¥720.

RD-Z, Type I, from 1987

The basic RD model appeared in 1987 and went through three versions by 1989. By the third, RD had been discontinued, leaving RD-Z above entry-level RS and below RD-X.

First release, 1987: 46 - ¥400 / 50 - ¥430 / 60 - ¥500 / 80 - ¥650 / 90 - ¥700 / 120 - ¥900.

RD-XS, Type I, from 1988

Introduced above the third-generation RD-X in 1988, RD-XS became DENON's normal-type flagship. Its twin-window shell had distinctive diagonal cuts. The RD series was discontinued the next year; RD-XS's packaging differed from its contemporaries.

First release, 1988: 40 - ¥550 / 50 - ¥620 / 54 - ¥650 / 64 - ¥750 / 74 - ¥800 / 100 - ¥1000. The ウルトラファイン・コバルトモディファイドノンポア (ultra-fine cobalt-modified non-porous) magnetic material substantially raised high-frequency MOL, reproducing powerful lows and mids and crisp highs.

Second release, 1989: 40 - ¥460 / 46 - ¥480 / 50 - ¥510 / 60 - ¥580 / 64 - ¥600 / 70 - ¥630 / 74 - ¥670 / 100 - ¥830. The new ニューメディレックス クリスタル (New Medirex Crystal) material reproduced CD sound with rich deep bass and extended highs. The distinctive shell was called デンオン・オブリークウィンドウ (Denon Oblique Window).

HD series

HD replaced DX as DENON’s main Type II range in the second half of the 1980s. First came HD-S, successor to DX8. Its 新ハイテクノローム (new cobalt-ferrite composite metal magnetic material) improved on DX8. The shell had an ultra-wide window and precision internal parts.

The inexpensive HD6 followed as manufacturers began introducing budget Type II tapes. Despite its price, its one-piece shell had the same ultra-wide window as HD-S. The basic HD succeeded HD6: an improved magnetic material raised performance, while DB bridge hubs gave it a more premium appearance.

HD-X sat above HD and succeeded DX7. It used newly developed cobalt-based magnetic material and a low-resonance precision twin-window shell. The new DB bridge hubs used large hubs in lengths up to 80 minutes. The flagship HD-XS developed HD-S further, using metal magnetic powder and introducing DENON’s first 100-minute Type II.

HD-S, Type II, 1985

ニューハイテクノローム (new composite magnetic material) mixed cobalt-coated iron oxide with metal magnetic material. With exceptionally high coercivity and residual flux density, this unusual Type II resembled TDK HX. Unlike the single-generation HX, however, it continued as HD-XS for a total of three generations.

42 - ¥660 / 50 - ¥700 / 60 - ¥890 / 80 - ¥1100 / 90 - ¥1250.

HD6, Type II, from 1985

Following the success of maxell UD II, manufacturers introduced inexpensive Type II tapes around 1985, including TDK SF and Sony Do. DENON's HD6 was priced similarly. New cobalt-coated gamma iron oxide gave it smoothly extended highs.

42 - ¥460 / 50 - ¥500 / 60 - ¥630 / 80 - ¥840 / 90 - ¥940.

HD, Type II, from 1986

The economical basic HD succeeded the single-generation HD6. Its first version cost the same, but new ultra-fine cobalt-coated gamma iron oxide improved performance, and DB bridge hubs like those of the higher models increased its value. The second generation became cheaper still.

Second release, 1987: 46 - ¥450 / 50 - ¥470 / 60 - ¥550 / 74 - ¥650 / 90 - ¥750. Third, 1989: 40 - ¥440 / 50 - ¥470 / 54 - ¥500 / 64 - ¥580 / 70 - ¥600 / 74 - ¥650 / 100 - ¥800.

HD-X, Type II, from 1986

Introduced between the economical HD and flagship HD-S, the first HD-X is described by the author as DENON's finest Type II. Green printing on its twin-window shell and large hubs brought together the company's design trends of the time.

First release, 1986: 42 - ¥510 / 46 - ¥530 / 50 - ¥550 / 60 - ¥750 / 80 - ¥950 / 90 - ¥1050. Second, 1989: 30 - ¥460 / 42 - ¥490 / 46 - ¥510 / 50 - ¥530 / 54 - ¥580 / 64 - ¥730 / 70 - ¥750 / 74 - ¥770 / 84 - ¥870.

HD-XS, Type II, from 1987

The HD flagship succeeded the single-generation HD-S. Like its predecessor, this Type II used metal magnetic material, with further improved performance. The first generation had a twin-window shell, the second diagonal twin windows. The second release in 1989 was the last.

First release, 1987: 46 - ¥680 / 50 - ¥700 / 60 - ¥890 / 90 - ¥1250 / 100 - ¥1350. Second, 1989: 40 - ¥550 / 46 - ¥590 / 50 - ¥620 / 64 - ¥730 / 70 - ¥780 / 74 - ¥810 / 100 - ¥1000.

HG series

The Type II HG series succeeded HD. The first HG appeared in 1989 at a strikingly low price: cheaper than the economical HD and equal to the inexpensive normal music tape RD-Z. It used エクストラ・ピュリファイド・クリスタル (Extra Purified Crystal), also found in HD-X, and a twin-window shell like HD-X. Its value compared well with more expensive models.

HG-S arrived above HG in 1990 as the successor to HD. It used the same magnetic material as HG, applied at greater density for improved performance. The diagonal twin-window shell from HD-XS gave it a more premium appearance.

HG-X succeeded HD-X. Like the normal RG-X, it used a one-piece transparent low-resonance shell made of a new material with heat resistance about 15 °C higher than before.

HG, Type II, from 1989

Introduced as a very inexpensive Type II in 1989, HG took over HD's class once HD was discontinued. HG itself had only one version, but higher models turned its name into a series.

46 - ¥390 / 50 - ¥400 / 54 - ¥430 / 60 - ¥460 / 64 - ¥490 / 74 - ¥550 / 100 - ¥720.

HG-S, Type II, from 1990

The first generation and a minor revision appeared in 1990. By then Type II tapes from many manufacturers crowded a chaotic market. The cassette's peak had passed, and the casual HG series was taking over from the more traditional HD range.

First release, 1990: 10 - ¥370 / 46 - ¥430 / 50 - ¥450 / 54 - ¥480 / 60 - ¥520 / 64 - ¥550 / 70 - ¥580 / 90 - ¥740. Second, 1990: 46 - ¥430 / 50 - ¥450 / 54 - ¥480 / 60 - ¥520 / 70 - ¥580 / 90 - ¥740.

HG-X, Type II, 1990

Positioned above HG-S, this model resembled a successor to HD-X, but its shell and plastic case were heat-resistant and the shell had a completely different appearance.

30 - ¥480 / 46 - ¥510 / 50 - ¥540 / 54 - ¥570 / 60 - ¥610 / 70 - ¥670 / 90 - ¥800.

MG-X and HG-M

In the early 1990s manufacturers released remarkable cassettes regardless of cost. DENON also presented the culmination of its technology: the Type II HG-M and metal MG-X. Their pure-white HSGハーフ (HSG shell), resembling a human face, combined highly viscoelastic material and high-density plastic. It had 2.4 times the specific gravity of a normal shell and excellent vibration resistance and absorption. The tapes were newly developed for these models.

HG-M used スーパーチューンドテクノローム (an improved cobalt-ferrite composite metal material), while MG-X used XX II - マキシマイズドメタル (XX II metal magnetic material). Both offered the greatest power in DENON’s cassette range.

MG-X, Type IV, 1991: 46 - ¥1200 / 60 - ¥1400 / 90 - ¥1600 / 100 - ¥1650. HG-M, Type II, 1991: 46 - ¥750 / 60 - ¥950 / 90 - ¥1350 / 110 - ¥1520.

The museum has a separate in-depth feature on DENON MG-X.

RG series

In the 1990s the normal-type RG-X, RG-S and RG succeeded the RD series. The flagship RG-X occupied RD-XS’s class. Its shell and case used a new heat-resistant material intended for outdoor use. The tape combined ニュー・メディレックス・クリスタル磁性体 (New Medirex Crystal magnetic material) with a durable, thermally stable binder to improve low- and mid-frequency performance.

The mid-range RG-S had nearly the same tape performance as RG-X. Its first version used a diagonal twin-window shell and DB bridge hubs like RD-XS, making it resemble a cheaper RD-XS. Its case had rounded corners. The basic RG succeeded RD-Z in price. Its lively packaging targeted school students; it used non-porous magnetic material, a two-colour shell with one wide window and a rounded case.

RG-S and RG-X, Type I, 1990

RG-S sat above RG and was the only model in the series updated the following year. Clearly the middle grade in 1990, it was the sole remaining model in 1991 and its price rose close to the former top grade.

RG-S, first release: 46 - ¥430 / 50 - ¥450 / 54 - ¥480 / 60 - ¥530 / 64 - ¥560 / 90 - ¥720.

RG-X sat above RG-S as DENON’s normal-type flagship. Like the entry-level RG, it appeared in only one version. Besides its high-performance magnetic material and new shell, its heat-resistant case reinforced its position at the top of the series.

RG-X: 46 - ¥480 / 50 - ¥510 / 54 - ¥540 / 60 - ¥580 / 70 - ¥640 / 90 - ¥770.

Zippy

Fashionable versions of RD and HD were renamed Zippy, combining design appeal with improved sound quality. The DB bridge hubs turning inside the smoky crystal shell looked stylish.

Zippy I, Type I, second release, 1989: 50 - ¥400 / 64 - ¥530 / 70 - ¥550 / 74 - ¥580 / 84 - ¥600. Zippy II, Type II, first release, 1988: 46 - ¥450 / 54 - ¥500 / 74 - ¥650.

RE series

The new entry-level normal range of 1987 continued the line of the inexpensive DX1. DENON appears to have paid less attention to this class than to high-performance normal tapes. Nevertheless, despite some one-off models, the range supported the bottom of the catalogue for many years.

RE, Type I, 1987: 46 - ¥370 / 60 - ¥420 / 90 - ¥680 / 120 - ¥940. RE-X, Type I, 1987: 46 - ¥390 / 50 - ¥400 / 60 - ¥450 / 90 - ¥700 / 120 - ¥960.

RS, Type I, 1989

This entry-level model succeeded RE in the early 1990s. The back of the package suggested recording lectures and lessons, already evoking the end of the cassette era. Early versions used a sticker label on the shell; later ones were screen-printed.

10 - ¥250 / 20 - ¥270 / 30 - ¥290 / 46 - ¥340 / 60 - ¥380 / 70 - ¥460 / 90 - ¥580 / 120 - ¥770.

K-R series

DENON's final entry-level series came in slim cases. The normal K-R I appeared in 1992, followed by the Type II K-R II in 1993.

K-R I, Type I, 1992: 54 - ¥410 / 60 - ¥450 / 70 - ¥520 / 90 - ¥620 / 120 - ¥750.

GR series

Black shells with silver and gold lettering gave GR a restrained, substantial appearance. Normal GR-I, Type II GR-II and metal GR-IV appeared in 1991; the higher-grade GR-Is and GR-IIs followed. Around and after 1993, DENON was among the first to announce its withdrawal from the cassette market, leaving GR among its final series.

GR-I, Type I, first release, 1991: 46 - ¥410 / 54 - ¥440 / 60 - ¥480 / 90 - ¥630 / 120 - ¥810. This normal model corresponded to the class of TDK AD. It featured a new low-resonance shell and slim rounded case. Three generations were released.

GR-II, Type II, first release, 1991: 46 - ¥430 / 54 - ¥470 / 60 - ¥510 / 90 - ¥690 / 100 - ¥750. The Type II version emphasised wide dynamic range and direct reproduction of powerful deep bass and sharp highs. Its shell was the same as GR-I’s.

GR-IIs, Type II, 1992: 46 - ¥470 / 54 - ¥530 / 60 - ¥580 / 70 - ¥640 / 80 - ¥720 / 90 - ¥810. It appeared with GR-Is as a higher-grade GR model. GR-Is lasted two generations and GR-IIs just one.

CD/JACK IV, Type IV, 1989

At the end of the 1980s, as the CD era arrived in earnest, manufacturers began releasing inexpensive metal tapes. DENON offered this three-pack with tape equivalent to MD - essentially MD in a transparent shell.

Price per three-pack: 46 - ¥1500 / 50 - ¥1560 / 54 - ¥1650 / 60 - ¥1800 / 64 - ¥1890 / 70 - ¥1980 / 90 - ¥2370.

CD・PAL series

This relatively inexpensive series from the CD boom promised energetic, pure reproduction of CD sound. The スレンダーPケース (Slender P Case) was 2.5 mm thinner for easier carrying; the ベネシアン・クリスタルハーフ (Venetian Crystal Half) shell gave a premium impression. Related models included CD・PAL-II and CD/PALII Slender.

CD・PAL-I, Type I, 1990: 46 - ¥390 / 54 - ¥430 / 60 - ¥450 / 70 - ¥510 / 90 - ¥600.

C’Do series

DENON's final cassette series had a transparent shell that could look somewhat cheap. It was made in Korea rather than Japan. The original says the series appeared around 1990, but then dates the first generation to 1997 and the final, second generation to 1999. The C in C'Do stands for cassette; the name is pronounced "cassette do."

C’Do, Type I, first release - 1997, second - 1999. C’Do2, Type II, second release - 1999.