I do not use the remote for it, I use my all in one. The remote is like most Deonon's; basic, but has everything that is needed. Actually, they are no where near as ugly as I think the majority of their remotes are. I hate the yellow and orange colors they put in many of their receiver remotes.
Sound quality is like most CD players. I am using the digital out for everything but MP3's, so it will sound like most every other cd player if using the digital out. Using analog, they are much more clear and crisp sounding than my old Technics 5 disc(shut up, stop laughing, it's was college left over that I had fun destroying after I got this Denon).
For the price, it was a great buy. I had put aside $100 for a new 5 disc changer, and almost got a sony/panasonic/pioneer/whatever is on special at BB. Glad I didn't. For cheaper(no tax or shipping charges), I got a cd player that most likely adds very little overall, but is of a much better build quality.
BTW, here is a link to their CD player's:
http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=1&c=6
The 280 is a great deal at around $50.00.
