SV-3800 vs Tascam DA20
The DA20's signal-to-noise is 91 dB against the SV-3800's 92 dB and its thd 0.004% against 0.007%. Both share bit depth (16-bit) and max sample rate (48 kHz).
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The Panasonic SV-3800 is a professional DAT recorder manufactured between 1994 and 2000 in Japan. It features advanced 20-bit resolution DACs and a 1-bit, 64 times oversampling sigma-delta A-D converter, providing a wide dynamic range, low noise, and exceptional linearity for natural, true-to-original sound with minimal coloration. The unit supports stereo 2-channel recording with sampling frequencies of 48, 44.1, and 32 kHz, and offers multiple digital input/output options including AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical. It has balanced XLR analog inputs and outputs, a rotary head drum spinning at 2000 rpm, and tape speeds of 8.15 and 12.225 mm/s. The SV-3800 is known for its excellent sound quality, professional interfacing, and reliable transport mechanism, making it a favored choice for professional studios and audiophiles.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The DA20's signal-to-noise is 91 dB against the SV-3800's 92 dB and its thd 0.004% against 0.007%. Both share bit depth (16-bit) and max sample rate (48 kHz).
The DA-P20's signal-to-noise is 90 dB against the SV-3800's 92 dB, its thd 0.008% against 0.007%, and its output voltage 0.3V RMS against 0.8V RMS. Both share max sample rate (48 kHz).
The DCD-920's max sample rate is 44.1 kHz against the SV-3800's 48 kHz, its bit depth 20-bit against 16-bit, its signal-to-noise 106 dB against 92 dB, and its thd 0.004% against 0.007%.
The MDS-JE640's max sample rate is 44.1 kHz against the SV-3800's 48 kHz, its bit depth 24-bit against 16-bit, its signal-to-noise 98 dB against 92 dB, and its thd 0.006% against 0.007%.
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