As an aside to this, the latest edition of Hi-Fi World has a feature, by David Price, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Sony Walkman. Provides a fairly comprehensive history of these cassette portables and makes it clear what D P's views are on the matter of sonics.
"Properly set up, the top Sonys were second to only high end open reel and vinyl sonically, delivering a body blow to any digital sources. Those who dismiss them don't know what they're missing"
"Always carry a large flagon of whisky, in case of snake bite and, furthermore, always carry a small snake."
Kevin