Stereo 1/1998: Stereo test rating 3 stars, Excel lent. (1998 ranking still without sound level percentage), 3rd place in the absolute order of the 1998 leaderboard. "With the JA-30, Sony has created an extremely worthy successor to the MD pioneer JA-3. Once again improved in terms of workmanship and sensible equipment, for example digital control." (Testspiegel)
Stereoplay 10/1997: Test verdict Very good. Sounded very good, top class, 42 points In the absolute ranking 4th place (end of 1998)
Audio 2/1998: Top class, 78 points (digital 80P., analog 75 p.) 4 ears. Absolutely 4th place in the leaderboard (end of 1998)