Build quality is excellent. MDLP is really cool too.

No ps/2 connection for a keyboard.

Very nice deck. I was originally interested in the "555 ES" but it was on backorder at the time. I do not regret this purchase. I was a little dissapointed in the lack of a keyboard input, but the remote does just fine. The deck weighs about 24 lbs., and is very attractive. You can record up to 4 times as much music on one disc in LP-4 mode. I think the quality and sound is excellent.

Similar Products Used:

MDS- JE 630

Crystal-clear sound, build quality, ability to find even smallest details in music

None so far

I have gone through Sony's three-level minidisc series. The first is entry level plasticy JE, the second is value-for-money JB (QS-series) and the third is JA (high-end ES-series).

The first key conclusion is, that the differences between these series are very real, not just more cream on the top of the same cake.

I had few doubts when I was buying this MDS-JA333ES player, some of the key components are the same in MDS-JB930. For example, ATRAC type-R, 24bit A/D converter and current pulse D/A converters.

I was asking: "Can the ES be any better than QS?" Now I have clear answer to this question: damn sure it can!

This ES minidisc deck is built like a tank: it weights over 10 kilos. The build quality is nothing less than fantastic and detailing is impressive. But the sound quality is what I enjoy the most of. At least in my opinion, this player has great ability to find new details of the music.

S.F edit possibility is clear leap ahead. Now you can change recording level after the recording! It is also possible to make fades afterwards, which is a very useful feature.

You have to take account, that I have used now this player just a few weeks, but already at this point it is clear that there is a remarkable difference between ES and QS series. on the other hand, there is also a great difference in prices between QS and ES series. Also I advice you to stay away from the entry level MDS-JExxx coded players. They make sense only as the cheapest versions. So, buy the cheapest or buy QS. ES is a whole new game.

What comes to MDS-JA333ES, I can recommend it when high-end needs has to be fulfilled.

Similar Products Used:

Sony MDS-JB930 and MDS-JE510