I have never taken reviews of any kind all that seriously, especially magazine reviews. I just take them for what they are and get whatever I can from them then see for myself. It's kind of like different news channels being biased on political issues. I still watch all of them, digest the info and form my own opinions on each issue. I don't subscribe to any HT or audio magazines but I always pick up a few when I'm in the book store. Of the many I have read through the years, it's amazing how there are never any REALLY NEGATIVE reviews. It's always the same formula, 5 or so pluses for the product with one minus, the minus usually being something trivial like a feature missing on the remote. Anyhow, I'm looking forward to reading Sound and Vision's review either way.

As far as the hiss issue goes, I'll judge for myself. If I have to press my head against a speaker to hear it then I won't worry about it. If I hear it during the silent part of a movie or cd at normal listening levels, I'll just return it.

Rob