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The Sony DTC-ZA5ES was introduced in 1995.

The DTC-ZA5ES was the final high end ES model made by Sony.

Included SBM, an EMPHASIS switch and twin microphone inputs.

SBM (Super Bit Mapping) and emphasis processing
Super Bit Mapping reduces noise at the frequency levels most discernible to the human ear, and re-integrates sound information subtracted during the A/D conversion process, greatly improving the dynamic audible range and sound quality of the recorded signal during analog recording.
Emphasis processing automatically amplifies high-bandwidth signals during analog recording, then attenuates the emphasised signals during playback to sharply reduce high-bandwidth noise.

44.1-kHz analog recording capability
By supporting the recording of analog sources at a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz, the DTC-ZA5ES allows you to record from DAT tape to a MiniDisc recorder through a digital-to-digital connection.

20-bit SCORE playback digital filter uses "dither" technology to make music cleaner and better defined; filter uses 8x oversampling, 45-bit internal processing and 20-bit outputs

Mid-Ship Drive reduces chassis flexing; reduces radiated noise

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.

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.

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
• 1-bit A/D converter - For the A/D converter section which converts analog input signals to digital signals, the unit employs a 1-bit A/D converter which theoretically generates no zero-cross distortion for a clear, elegant sound quality.
• Pulse D/A converter - Superior playback performance is achieved with a 1-bit D/A converter.

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.