Thanks for the replies. I guess the unit should be looked at by a Sony dealer. Just to confirm, there should be no white noise at all? Could it be in the transfer of music to the MD. From Sony live Chat: LiveAssist Transcript Print Copy Email Close chat id : 442 Problem : hiss/white noise while playing at low volumes Edwin_ > Welcome to Sony Online Support. I will be glad to assist you. steve > hello Edwin_ > Hi. steve > I have a mz-g750 that has a hissing sound during playback is this normal? steve > it stops when I hit pause Edwin_ > Please give me a moment while I get this information for you. steve > ok Edwin_ > Thank you for staying online. Edwin_ > Does this happen with all the Mini Discs? steve > I havn steve > teste all steve > Sorry I haven't tested them all Edwin_ > I suggest that you try playing any other MiniDisc and check. steve > but it is only noticable when listen in a quiet room steve > I just checked another disk same dael Edwin_ > Does this happen while listening to the radio? steve > yes Edwin_ > Are you able to operate the recorder normally? steve > yes Edwin_ > Can you confirm that the hiss noise stops when you press the pause button? steve > yes confirmed Edwin_ > Okay. Have you tried connecting any other headphone to the recorder? Edwin_ > This is just to check if the issue is with the recorder or the headphone. steve > the head phnoe are brand new Sony MDR-EX71 Edwin_ > Please make sure that the headphone is inserted properly in the headphone jack of the recorder. steve > they are properly inserted, I tried with and without the remote Edwin_ > Is the battery fully charged? steve > proably not fully charder but it still has 3 bars steve > sorry 4 bars Edwin_ > I suggest that you reset the recorder and check if the issue is resolved. Edwin_ > Please remove the battery and reinsert it after about 5 minutes and check. steve > how do I do that steve > ok then what if there is still the hiss Edwin_ > Please try it and get back to us for further information. steve > is there a case number so I don't have to start from the begining? Edwin_ > I am sorry, we do not have a case number. You will just need to give a brief description of the issue and the steps tried when you log in to the chat to any one of us. steve > OK Edwin_ > Thank you for visiting Sony online support today. Edwin_ > Analyst has closed chat and left the room