Several Maxell questions

[trimicada]

I'm looking for some quality media (a friend's Matrix - Longten code discs suck) and I've seen a lot of recommendations for the Maxell 4x -R 10 packs that are available at WalMart, so last night I picked them up. But I do have a couple of questions. Sorry if these have been asked elsewhere...I'm trying to consolidate info so I don't remain confused...

1. The first disc out of the 10 actually had a TY code instead of MXL. Is this pretty common? Any other codes I should expect? Or will it always be either TY or MXL?

2. Will any Maxell package ever say anything other than Made in Japan? This is what I should look for, right?

3. What size packs do the Made in Japan routinely come in? WalMart had a 3 pk, 10 pk (both in jewel cases), and a 15 pk spindle. If I remember right, all 3 did say Made in Japan. Are all of these trustworthy?

4. How are the Maxell +R's? As good as the -R's? What media code do the +R's have?

5. If buying Maxell spindles online, where can I buy to ensure they are "Made in Japan" (if this is an issue)? What is the average cost online for say a spindle of 50?

6. My NEC 2500 offered to burn the -R at 8x. How is the reliability at 8x on these discs?

Thanks.

[csaag]

1) I read many reports that Maxell will use Taiyo-Yuden to keep up with demand. Everything I've read about the TY's have been positive.
2) Look for Made in Japan. There has been issues with 'fake' Maxells being sold online as several past threads here attest to.
3) I don't know if Maxell makes +R .
5) I bought a 50 pack of Maxell at Shopperwiz.com for $63. Each disk had 'Maxell' on the disc hub

[louv68]

Maxell -R Discs are as good as they come. Never had a problem with 'em.
The +R are luck of the draw. I've had good and bad results depending on the given batch. You can pick up 10 packs of either -R/+R with Jewel Cases at Walgreens on sale for $14.99

[HyperYagami]

+Rs are ROCOHJPN (Ritek). While decent, the TY/MXL ones are obviously even better.

[888888]

1. The first disc out of the 10 actually had a TY code instead of MXL. Is this pretty common? Any other codes I should expect? Or will it always be either TY or MXL?

TY is common with Maxell. TY is as great as Maxell so don't worry. Anything besides MXL or TY media code with MAXELL DVD-Rs is suspicious, but that won't happen if you buy from reliable sources.

2. Will any Maxell package ever say anything other than Made in Japan? This is what I should look for, right?

Maxell packages have a few different designs. You should definetly look for "Made in Japan".

3. What size packs do the Made in Japan routinely come in? WalMart had a 3 pk, 10 pk (both in jewel cases), and a 15 pk spindle. If I remember right, all 3 did say Made in Japan. Are all of these trustworthy?

50 and 100 pack spindles from reputable online vendors are fine.

4. How are the Maxell +R's? As good as the -R's? What media code do the +R's have?

They usually have Ricohjpn code, not as good as the -Rs.

5. If buying Maxell spindles online, where can I buy to ensure they are "Made in Japan" (if this is an issue)? What is the average cost online for say a spindle of 50?

www.newegg.com
www.shopperwiz.com
They are usually a little over a dollar each including shipping.

6. My NEC 2500 offered to burn the -R at 8x. How is the reliability at 8x on these discs?

I wouldn't burn them at 8x but that is me. Many users probably burn at 8x and are very happy with the results.

Hope that helped!

[lordsmurf]

Maxell also uses RITEKG03 on 1x/2x blues.

[trimicada]

Thanks for the answers everyone. Sounds like it's safe to stay with Maxell 4x -Rs for now. I don't mind paying the $ for them since I'm selective about what I burn. I have friends that are "collectors" and go through hundreds of discs at a time. They look for cheaper media...for example the Matrix Longten's that I didn't care for. Anyway, thanks for the help. A cake box of 50 will probably keep me stocked for a while.

[888888]

Thanks for the answers everyone. Sounds like it's safe to stay with Maxell 4x -Rs for now. I don't mind paying the $ for them since I'm selective about what I burn. I have friends that are "collectors" and go through hundreds of discs at a time. They look for cheaper media...for example the Matrix Longten's that I didn't care for. Anyway, thanks for the help. A cake box of 50 will probably keep me stocked for a while.

Collecting blank DVDR media eh? That's cool.

[trimicada]

Thanks for the answers everyone. Sounds like it's safe to stay with Maxell 4x -Rs for now. I don't mind paying the $ for them since I'm selective about what I burn. I have friends that are "collectors" and go through hundreds of discs at a time. They look for cheaper media...for example the Matrix Longten's that I didn't care for. Anyway, thanks for the help. A cake box of 50 will probably keep me stocked for a while.

Collecting blank DVDR media eh? That's cool.

Nope, they collect every download they can get their hands on and burn them all...even if its stuff they won't watch for like 5 years because of the backlog of stuff they have! That's why they go through hundreds... 50 or so will keep me stocked for a couple of months since I am a bit more selective...