Looking for a generator

DrewE wrote:

It's worth observing that, while 3 dB is indeed a doubling of power in a physics sense, it doesn't sound twice as loud subjectively; it's only a modest increase in perceived volume. Generally somewhere around 10 dB is accepted as what is subjectively "twice as loud" though it varies with the person, the nature of the noise in question, and probably some other things.

Notice I said "sound energy". Perceived noise level is subjective.

As mentioned, I do have a Champion generator, which is "only" 74 dB. Also notice the sound rating is from 23' away. Stand next to it for a few minutes without hearing protection, the expression on your face will say it all... besides, unless you're screaming, I wouldn't be able to hear you!



If you walk around the side of the house, the Yamaha cannot be heard. Start my Champion, you can hear it over a block away. Since I use the Champion for post hurricane emergency outages, noise isn't a factor. Everybody will be running cheap generators until the fuel runs out. The Yamaha sips gas, and will be used long after gas stations have run out of fuel. In 2004, power went out in our county for 18 days. All gas station were closed (no power), or were already empty.

I've owned cheap/loud generators. I've spent money trying to make them quiet. If you don't care about noise, and are located in an area with no neighbors or rules, no reason to spend the extra money. But if you want quiet, spend the money and get it. My requirements aren't the same as everyone else's. Just sharing some experience before someone potentially makes a regrettable decision if noise is a factor. I have 3 generators, all have different pros/cons. YMMV.