Does the idea that blue backed cd-r's are still the best?

Was this just for use as backups or all round performance/quality?

If so, where can I get hold of some Verbatam Data Life Plus (blue backed) CD-Rs?

I need both the bulk type on a spindel and the boxed packaged ones...

Or if there is a better brand please state which and where to get them from?

Pretty much, it's the idea that Japanese made CD-R's are still the best as they are most likely Taiyo Yuden CD-R's. They are light blue, and the burned areas are very easy to see and have sort of a gold cast to it.

When buying a pack of blanks, look on the label to see where it was made. If it's Taiwan - as most cheap discs are, even from the likes of Maxell, Imation, Sony, TDK, PNY, and all those No-Name packs you see - then it's from CMC Magnetics. I avoid those at all costs now for my lasting stuff. But, I might use them for a quick check of audio CD burns before finalizing my stuff.

Some brands that I know do use Taiyo Yudens for some of their CD-R lines are Fujifilm, (maybe) Sony, and Maxell for its Maxell Pro line.

Verbatim might use CMC for some of their CD-R lines, but I think they still use their own formula for the DataLife line of CD-R's. Just do a Google search and you'll find all kinds of places you can order from.

Although I'm mostly concerned with audio, the same goes for data too. And, even though quality control has gotten better with all manufacturers, I still had problems with CMC CD-R's that are close to the full 80 mins/700mb capacity, whereas the TY's and Verbatim's gave me no problems at all at full capacity.

Joel

If a Verbatim is dark blue then it would be Mitsubishi. Also CMC is not the only Taiwanese manufacturer.

Originally posted by celtic_druid
Also CMC is not the only Taiwanese manufacturer.
True, but it seems like everyone is using CMC these days.

Joel