Sony DTC-77ES
(1991 - 1993)

The DTC-77ES was a DTC-77ES in Europe, a DTC-77ES in Japan and a DTC-87ES in the US. It was a bestseller everywhere.

Besides the very reliable 4-Motor mechanism, 4 heads for direct monitoring, a fully copper-plated chassis made of thick steel plates and two power transformers make for the heavy hardware - see it here.
Sure : it isn't a DTC-1500ES, nor a DTC-2000ES but it still is built way better than the contemporary Panasonic / Technics decks.

The drum assembly is that of the (later) DTC-2000ES, the PCM-2700 (professional version of the DTC-77ES) and ultimate PCM-R700 : DOU-15A. Luckily it still is available as a spare part ! (but don't wait too long to order one.)
1-bit HDLC PULSE d-to-a (CXD-2552) converters and SCMS are here (the latter as inaugurated in 1990 with the DTC-55ES, aka DTC-75ES in the US), the build-quality is worthy of Sony tradition (massive), the overall finish and feel of use is worthy of Sony tradition (unmatched) and the features are... galore. If Super Bit Mapping, 44,1kHz recording of analog sources and Advanced Pulse converters were for later units, the DTC-77ES made and still makes for eleven kilos of reliable and good-sounding digital recording machine.

The images on this page come from the magnificent 1991 USA Sony ES catalog (black) and a japanese 1993 catalog (champagne).