The shocked look on guests' faces when I lift the top is priceless :)  But, the noisy springs on closing it down can elicit winces.  This closing noise cannot be eliminated but can be minimized If the top is closed carefully in a balanced manner.

Aside from the noisy springs, I really like this coffee table.  The storage utility is welcome as is the "TV table" mode that I occasionally use for a big game.  Using the box in which the table was shipped as a temporary base, I found it fairly easy to assemble.  If I hadn't thought to do that I would have used the ingenious "tape down the bolt heads" method suggested by a reviewer.

I consider this product a steal at the 2016 Thanksgiving week price, and well worth a typical sub-$300 sale price.  The finish is veneer and not natural wood, which is expected at this price point.  I would rate this 4.5/5 – docking .5 points for the noise – but since I can't do that, it's a 4.