[OriginalReaper]

D-25S - Buy it now for about $40-50 (best headphone portable amp according to that review)
D-555 - $130+ with 3 days left.

I've never seen a D-25 on auction so I don't know how those end up.

D-555. Why is it so expensive?

 

[DeeJayBump]

The D-25S can be bought direct from Silicon Salvage (if they have any left) for $46.50 delivered. They usually go for $40-60 with the power supply in these auctions. Some folks luck out and get them for less than this amount, of course.

The D-555 seems to go for $150+ in the online auctions I've seen with one even going for $380 a while back. The D-555 commands such a price because it has dual Burr-Brown dacs of good quality, it has all manner of EQ, DSP, and tweaking of the sound. It is one of if not THE best sounding Sony Discman ever. For the record, I think it is ridiculous to pay $380 for this player. The $150-200 range is much more realistic, at least to me.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

 

[redshifter]

since neither the d25 or d555 can be used as a portable (no antiskip), you may want to consider a good component cd player.

 

[OriginalReaper]

My only setup is a SlimX. I can listen to the receiver in my living room, but it's pretty annoying having people stepping all over my cable and not understanding when I say NOT to.

I just wanted a cheap option (I opted for a D-25S). But I was just curious as to why the D-555 was so damn expensive.

So the 555 beats out the 25 and 25S in sound quality? What's better than the D-25/25S for the same value (round 50 bucks)?

BTW, it's nice knowing these things in case you go to a flea market or garage sale.

 

[akar]

D-303 is a better than the D-25, in my opinion.
It can be had for about $50 if you watch for it closely.
Some people put them on eBay without knowing what it is.
You can then e-mail them and buy it directly or ask them to add a "Buy It Now" option to the auction.

This has worked for me many times for many different types of items.