Actually, if a recording has audible hiss, you'll only be able to hear it during quiet passages, and you shouldn't immediately discount it as a poor recording. One of the most dynamic recordings I have on CD has tape hiss. You can find it on either of the two (first, second) Best of Dire Straits albums. The track is called Private Investigations. I highly recommend giving it a listen with the volume turned up as high as you can take it. (Beware, though, because it starts out quiet.)