Summary:
This review is for the D-E885. Sony has achieved a much improved musical experience in this portable vs its semi-high priced predecessors. Earlier Discmans I've owned lacked the build quality,accuracy, dynamic range and "guts" of the D-E885. Both backglows (pleasant blue) on the remote and the main unit are operating as advertised in the manual. I have been breaking in the player with a new pair of Grado SR-125s using Grado's 1/4" to mini jack extension cord/adapter. The extended Megabase called 'Groove'is way too loud and distorted on most passages, however the basic Megabase sounds just right even at relatively loud volume levels.
The ESP 2 works well. I notice only a minor improvement in spacial and tonal quality when connecting phones directly to the unit (bypassing the remote) - more time needed to evaluate.
My overall initial impressions are quite possitive, despite relatively high cost, I think Sony has delivered a quality product.

Summary:
First off, this portable cd player is really the D-E885, there is no D-E855. Also, my complaint about the remote is really an extremely minor detail because the fact that the remote is even an option is great. The sound is very good, but limited because of it 1-bit D/A converter instead of 2-bit D/A converter. However, it's sound quality is extremely close. My only real complaint is there's no luminescent button on the player itself, and if there is I sure as hell can't find it. Anyway, I have this hooked up to a pair of Grado SR-80s. Great sound, I noticed without the remote is sounds MUCH better, the remote made it fizz and a cackle, very annoying. Basically, I highly reccomend this. And don't worry about the cackle, it is hardly noticeable, expecially with the included headphones. Overall this is a great portable CD player, and I really like the Mega Bass, as opposed to panasonic's never Super Extra Bass, which really really sucks. Basically, buy this cd player if you have the money, but I highly reccommend the higher model for sound, but don't reccomend it for features. 5 out of 5. It is a bit pricey, though

Strengths:
Great features, good sound, small, super esp2 is cool, backlit LCD

Weaknesses:
Remote greatly reduces sound quality sent to headphones, there is no luminescent button on the player itself

Similar Products Used:
I have demoed all sony portable cd players