I'm aware of the muting situation - but just because a higher priced unit hisses, doesn't make it right to not meet spec. I have to wonder what _they_ state as a noise specification.

Anyway, I'm glad you don't experience hiss that bothers you. The 950 _is_ a real bargain, and sounds pretty good to me aside from the hiss. I had to unfortunately relagate mine to secondary switching duty because of the noise, and use my older Sony EP9ES for soundtracks.

[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited October 05, 2002).]