Is there a quiet NON inverter generator?

pnichols wrote:

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.

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. ;)

Currently owning all three I can say that the EX 650 APPEARS quieter than the other two for that given power level. It's nothing that a simple noise meter can measure because of the tonal quality of the EX. And by that I mean and suspect the difference is in the stoutness of the case itself. The EU's are simply plastic shells, where the 650 is a metal case that's heavily insulated as is the exhaust that's emptying out in a ~4x6" fiberglass lined baffle cavity, where the EU's are direct exhaust.
They simply SOUND different.