Is there a quiet NON inverter generator?

SoundGuy wrote:
Not to diss your clear love of the Honda EX650 but it seems to me to be a bit disingenuous to compare it's rated noise level of 54 dbA running at a constant (and maximum) speed to an inverter model such as the EU2000i also running at full speed simply because the 2000 at that higher speed is producing ~ 2.5 times more power (550 watts rated vs 1600 watts rated). I recall one time seeing a speed vs power output chart for the EU2000i and although I don't remember now what speed it would running when outputting the same 550 watts as the EX650 it certainly wasn't anywhere near maximum speed so logically it's noise level wouldn't be anywhere near it's maximum rating either but in fact much closer to the EX650's rating.

pnichols wrote:
I've had thoughts along the same line many times.

Here's an Apples to Apples comparison shoot-out I would be interested in seeing the results of:

1) Measure the sound level at 21 feet of the EX650 outputting 650 watts into a load.

2) Measure the sound level at 21 feet of the EU1000i outputting 650 watts into a load.

3) Measure the sound level at 21 feet of the EU2000i outputting 650 watts into a load.

After reviewing again Honda's inverter generators' specified noise range specs ... I'll guesstimate that the EU1000i would be 3-4 dBs louder than the EX650's ~54dB, and I'll guesstimate that the EU2000i would be 1-2 dBs louder than the EX650's ~54dB.

Of course if one were to add Honda's superb world class EU3000iS into the shoot-out mix ... it's noise reading at 21 feet of probably around 47-48 dB when outputting only 650 watts would make it the flat-out winner. One just has to be able to afford it, lift it, and somehow pack it and the gas for it along on RV trips. ;)

A few months ago I was load testing my own EU2000i with an energy meter plugged into the genset's output and as I recall it didn't even come off it's lowest ECO speed until the load I was applying exceeded well beyond 600 watts. Regardless, I wouldn't argue at all that although "quiet" to some a generator, even an inverter model, is a mechanical device that as far as I'm concerned is still too "noisy", just as is any generator, enough that I really don't like to run mine in open air, even when running at it's lowest ECO speed. To overcome this I built an inexpensive Genset Noise Reduction Box (Pics & Videos) which when sitting in the back of my Avalanche significantly minimizes the racket. Had I been willing to invest in proper noise barrier material (~ $200 Cdn) I'm sure the results would have been even better but I've for now accepted that if I can barely hear it running from ~ 20 feet away then that's probably good enough. :)