Alan is right about audible hiss on some recordings especially those that were transferred from original analog recordings. I have several of them, especially, those older recordings that were originally sold on vinyl. Anything that is so-called "remastered" from the original will have that sound and, of course, you won't here it until the CD starts to play. Any "hiss" from the player or any other equipment would be heard through the speakers as soon as you powered them up.