I have been using the Sony MDS-JE330 now for almost a month. This is a very well constructed unit. No cheap quality or short cuts here. The unit is black and would be welcome in any livingroom. The record/playback from this unit is unbelievable. I use the optical input on the back to connect to my Sony CDP-CD335 CD player. When recording optical/digital the record volume is autoset. The resulting recording is a 100% duplicate. The analog is also as far as I can hear the same. I use the optical input so I do not have to mess with the record input level. On major drawback is when recording digital the copy protection scheme is active and will not premit you to recopy the copy. I have never tried to recopy a copy but the copy protection scheme is talked about all over the internet. The Sony MDS- JE330 is has all the editing features of the more expensive decks and sound just as good. You do not get a time stamp, pitch control and the other bells and whistles of the MDS-JE520 and up but you also are no paying hundreds of dollars either. I purchased the Sony MDS-JE330 as all I wanted was good recordings and basic editing. The Sony MDS-JE330 sells for $199.95 at BEST BUY and CIRCUIT CITY. I highly recommend this deck. You will not be disappointed.

The only downside is an optical/Digital output would be nice, but considering the price I can not scream to loud.

Enjoy .......