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In 1990 Sony introduced the DTC-700, DTC-55ES and the DTC-75ES.

These three DAT recorders were all very similar, they even share the same service manual.


The DTC-75ES was available in Canada and the the US.

The DTC-55ES was available in the UK and Europe.

The DTC-700 was available in the US.

They were the first DAT recorders to implement the SCMS system.

Serial copy management system
This unit utilizes the serial copy management system that permits digital-to-digital recording tor one generation. You can record CD sound or other digital formats through a digital-to-digital connection.

Three sampling frequencies
Recording/playback can be done with three sampling frequencies (48 kHz, 44.1 kHz and 32 kHz).
48 kHz: For analog and digital input signals in a standard mode.
44.1 kHz: For compact disc and pre-recorded DAT tape.
32 kHz: For analog input signals in a long-play mode.

Long play mode
This unit can operate in a long-play mode. Analog input signals can be recorded or playback for up to four consecutive hours when the DT-120 DAT cassette tape is used. The sampling frequency will be 32 kHz in the long play mode.

Visible cassette loading
You can view the tape operation through the lid of the cassette compartment. Due to a revolutionary new transport mechanism, cassette loading time has been significantly reduced.

Excellent sound quality
Newly developed 1-bit A/D converter (High Density Linear A/D Converter) is provided for recording.
Newly developed 1-bit pulse D/A converter with excellent linearity is also provided for playback.

Digital Fade In and Out
Professional sounding fade-in/fade-out of either digital or analog signals can be accomplished by use of the FADER button.

Rich variety of subcode information
This unit can record subcode information such as Start IDs, program numbers, Skip IDs, and absolute time data, enabling you to quickly locate tunes and display the playback time in the same manner as when playing compact discs.

Post edit recording of sub codes
You can record or rewrite the following sub codes after the audio signal recording has been completed. Start ID: Signifies the beginning of a selection.
Program number: Gives a number to the selection.
Skip ID: Signifies the beginning of a portion to be skipped.
End ID: Signifies the end position of recording/ playback.
Since sub codes are written on the tape separately from audio signals, the audio signals are not affected.