Sony SRF-F85 AM/FM Radio

Small, wonder why it costs so damn much? I purchased my FIRST SRF-M35 at Circuit City in April '01. The original headphones that came with the unit quickly broke and I bought a pair of Sony in-the-ear style MDR-W08(which sound much better). Strike one. I bought an ultra mega industrial size package of batteries, thinking I wouldn't have to buy more for a year. Wrong. This thing uses more power than the Hoover Dam can produce. I blew threw a pair of AAA's in about 3 to 4 days. Now I use Rayovac ULTRA rechargable NiMH batteries (see review). Much more economical that way. Strike 2. Then in July, the sound suddenly quit coming out of my right earphone. I checked it with a new pair and even my computer speakers. Definetly an internal problem. So I called Sony, and the rep on the other end of the phone was extremely helpful and told me to bring it to Circuit City Service Center...but , thats a story best left for the Circuit City Review. So, long story short, I'm on my second one, and the volume control is geting kinda scratchy after only 3 months. The FM reception leaves quite a bit to be desired, as well as an FM/Mono switch to help deal with the tuners shortcoming. Also, an FM Stereo indicator would be nice. But all in all, its a decent unit which can be picked up at a decent price---i paid nearly $50 for mine at CC, then saw them at Tower Records for $25. Buy two pairs of rechargables and you'll be better off. Great for talk radio listening.