Went for a highly recommended brand. When it was on standby it hummed. When records or plays back it ticks and chugs. We sent it back to the supplier who returned it to Sony. Note- not an immediate replacement. Apparently Sony renewed the hard drive. After an initial lull it now still makes noises all the time it is switched on. While we call ignore it when the sound is loud but it spoils any quiet atmospheric programmes. I wrote to Sony who emailed me instructions on how to WE should reset the machine to factory settings. They also said that if this didn't work we should follow instructions for repair and would be notified of the cost. But it is only 6 months old!