When I got my Brother EX660 it was very quiet. As my needle dulled it got louder. It took several squares for me to realize my needle was now almost flat across the bottom. Yep. New needle quietened it down for a few yards of squares. Thennnnnnn, I removed the presserfoot holder to clean lint out of the machine. I set it back in place and let my presser foot down to get up and get my screw driver to tighten it. Something distracted me and I didn't tighten the presserfoot holder screw. I sewed about an inch before the presserfoot holder fell. It is now very noisy and breaks needles left and right. I have a scratch in the presserfoot and a hole through the bobbin case holder.. Oh well,,