Features: Appears physically identical to Japanese MDS-JA22ES model, similarly containing same "Type-R" DSP for ATRAC (IC: CXD2654R), Wide Bit Stream feature for 20 bit accuracy, tray loading, digital record level control and "R-Core" transformer. Unit has frame & beam construction, aluminum front panel, double thickness top plate, variable coefficient digital filter, 20 bit A/D converter, current pulse D/A converter, wide range pitch control, jog dial, remote, automatic cd text and custom file disc and track name transfer from compatible Sony CD players, digital output bit length selector (16, 20 or 24 bits), advanced time shift recording (time machine), S-link interface, two line text display, expanded fluorescent meter (like JE520), 15 element music calendar, time and date stamp. Unit allows mono recording mode. RM-D19M remote.

User comments: Does not have the MDS-JA22ES GUI interface. Remote commander features "menu/no" & "yes" keys, a "D.O Bit" digital output bit length selector key, "recorded" & "present" date keys & a unique and handy "Rec-It" key. Utilizing this feature requires that a "CONTROL A1" cable is connected (from MD) to a "CONTROL A1" compatible Sony CD player. When playing a CD from the A1 connected CD player, you can press the "REC-IT" button during a track you wish to record. This returns the CD player to the start of that track and recording commences. When the track ends, the MD deck stops recording and CD playback continues on to the next track as usual.

Links: Crutchfield's Online Order Form for the unit. MiniDiscussion has collected user reviews for this unit. Michael Fremer (Analog and LP advocate) writes a generally positive Sony MDS-JA20ES review. Hifichoice.co.uk also has an MDS-JA20ES review.

Specs: Freq resp: 5-20,000 Hz (+/- 3dB) / S/N: >107dB.

Reviews:

User Manual: MDS-JA20ES

Service Manuals: MDS-JA20ES, MDS-JA20ES