My Janome 6600 is pretty quiet, unless I have it running full throttle for a long straight seam.

I've found the old metal machines run quieter than the newer ones in plastic housings. I agree about treadles for quiet, tho. My 1908 Singer 66 treadle just says, "Tickety, tickety, tick" in a charming, precise little voice.

My Bernina 820 is quieter than my Juki but they are 2 very different machines. The Bernina is electronic but no junk parts in her - the Juki is not really too bad but is louder than my Bernina. I do agree with a difference on what type of table you are using & think a mat could make a difference.

I have a Bernina 1260 and an Artista 165. The 165 is quieter than the 1260, however, I love them both and would never buy another brand. I have had the 1260 for around 20 years and never any problem with it. I do, however, maintain the machines very often. Hope this helps!

It does make a difference whether or not the machines are bolted down into a sound cabinet or just sitting on top and too, i think the heavier the machine (metal gears) is the less vibration you will have. I have my daughter's old (20 or so years) Elna here and it has metal gears, but vibrates bad on the table. I think if it were in a cabinet, bolted down, it would be a nice little quiet machine.

I have the Singer 301A. Also a very quiet machine. From 1956. I love it.

I find that a study table reduces noise. Also, be sure to oil frequently as machines can get noisy if the need oiling. I have found that higher price point machines seem to be quieter.

My Gimbels Sewing Machine is the quietest of my 20 plus machines. Also one of the prettiest. I think I may have posted a pic of her within the past 2 months. Sews a wonderful straight and ZZ stitch. I think it was made by Western Auto during the '50s.

My DH taught me to set any machine on a foam pad. It sure helps-especially the serger.

I have a Pfaff Expression 4.0 (less than a yr old), and it is one of the noisest machines I have ever had. I allso have the Janome 7700 and first thing I noticed about it is how much quieter it is.

I clean and oil mine when it gets a bit noisy, and it stays very quiet. It's a cheap Janome.