I'm really enjoying listening to analogue music these days on both vinyl and cassette. Although I own a couple of players ( WM-25, PX-347, both suffering from wow) I would like to invest in good quality Sony model with excellent SQ and in top cosmetic condition. This device will be for listening on a regular basis and won't be held as a trophy or sat on a shelf. I know this is a very open, subjective question but can you guys recommend anything that will fulfill my requirements. I'm willing to spend approx €150 incl. P+P. 

Sony WM DC2 fits your bill

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony...;hash=item232a7e3dbc

Or try to find a dd9. These are nice. Got one last week from ebay uk for 150 euro ex shipping...

For that kind of money you should be able to find a clean D6C

I have been looking at the DC2 but the split gear issue is holding me back. The link to the one in ebay mentions the clicking sound.  

that can be fixed by two members here

Hurry - Best deal out there Ending today !!

Time left: 6h 5m 59s  (May 05, 2013 18:17:26 PDT)

C $99.99 ebay ca 370806255950

Sony WM-D6C Professional Walkman Stereo Cassette Recorder Dolby 80s wm d6c http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-W...wm-d6c-/370806255950

 not my listing -  just a really good one

Interesting, I gather the FF/REW issue is related to a perished rubber belt. Is it easy to replace??? I'm not afraid to tackle relatively straight forward repairs.

depend's upon the brand / model + NOT mentioned above  

some ( women are easy )  // ( some ladies are very difficult )

it's not really difficult to replace the belts of a d6c. You can do it yourself, just watch the wires attached to the motherboard. Make pictures of them so you can connect them again on the right place...

C $129.16 Sold!

I'd suggest you to also look at the WM-DD30 and DD33. The DD30 is one of my favorites, and has also very high quality, very close to the DC2, with the adition of Megabass.

Many probably agree with me that these are the best souding SONYs:

Yeah! On reflection I'm holding out for a DD/DC model. The D6C isn't portable enough for "on the road" IMO. I'm actively looking at the moment, I'll keep everyone updated on what I settle for ( once the price is right).