Phantom power. XLR, RCA Analog, and digital inputs. A ''hold'' button that keeps your settings right where you put them......even if the unit is bumped or messed with.

The only weakness I can think of is the short recording time the factory battery provides.....however, there are many longer duration after market battery systems.

I absolutely LOVE my DA-P1! It is without a doubt the best portable DAT deck on the market. It has a lot of features that most of the higher end home decks don''t have. It is ultra reliable, and very rugged. 90% of the use it gets is recording concerts both indoor & outdoor. It has plenty of phantom power to run my set of Earthworks SR-77 mics.

I bought this nice portable recorder 6 months ago, and have carried it to various places, including concert halls. As it has XLR balanced mic input with 48V phantom power, you can use condenser mic without additional mic amp or power supply. Considering these features, $2000 seems to be quite reasonable price.If you have used TEAC open reel decks, you may know the durability of them. Like them, DA-P1 is trouble-free, easy to operate, and have straight and natural sound. I am much satisfied with it.
Just recently, I bought a pair of excellent omnidirectional condenser microphone, Earthworks QTC1, and this combination opened me a different world.