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Device

Sony MDS-JA20ES

Source reference · needs review · MiniDisc Wiki, September 2026 snapshot · Source edited 2024-08-18

Manufacturer
Sony
Model / source grouping
MDS-JA20ES
Device type
deck
MDLP modes
No
NetMD interface
No
Hi-MD support
No

Capabilities above are source-stated. USB transfer direction, software requirements and regional variants need separate checks.

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Accessories & internal parts

Source-referenced components. Check conditions before substituting parts.

Preserved source

Original source · Source edits are not technical review dates. Original credits and licence notes remain below.

Source: MiniDisc Wiki contributors · September 3, 2026 snapshot · CC BY 4.0, except where otherwise credited.

Attribution and changes

Adapted from “Sony MDS-JA20ES”. Links, layout and file names normalized; missing database fields restored; remote embeds replaced with links. Manufacturer manuals and separately credited photographs retain their original attribution.

sony-mds-ja20es.jpg

Name MDS-JA20ES
Manufacturer Sony
Released 1998/08
Device type deck
MDLP No
NetMD No
Hi-MD No
Radio No
Dimensions 430 x 125 x 345 mm
Weight 7.8kg
ATRAC ver Type-R
Power cable AC
Price (launch) $700
Not recorded
-
Inputs RCA in, Digital optical (TOSLINK), Digital coaxial
Outputs 1/4 inch headphone, RCA out, Digital optical (TOSLINK), Digital coaxial
Control Not recorded

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.

MD Mechanism Type: MDM-6A
Base Unit Name: MBU-5C
Optical Pick-up Name: KMS-260A/J1N

ATRAC Encoder/Decoder: CXD2656R


Content adapted from: Minidisc.org

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Additional specifications and references
RecorderRecorder
ScmsYes
Battery Page
SidecarNo
Voltage120, 230
ExportNo
Remote Page
Atrac IcCXD2656R / CXD2662R
ManualUser manual, Service manual
RegionJapan