Originally Posted by snagitseven

I think the OP is referring to outside noise intrusion other than from the tires. My A6 is a bit better at sound isolation than my last '09 A4 and about the same as my allroad and former '01 A6. Not as quiet as my friend's Cadillac but very acceptable to me for a luxury sport sedan. As already mentioned, it's best to see if you can isolate where the outside noise is coming from. You could use a db sound meter or db phone app and see if it's close to the published factory specs. (Although various tires can make a difference in the readings when at speed).

<table cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="display-name">Sound level @ idle (dB)</td><td>41.6</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ Full throttle (dB)</td><td>70.9</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ 70 mph cruise (dB)</td><td>63.4</td></tr></tbody></table>

Originally Posted by snagitseven

I think the OP is referring to outside noise intrusion other than from the tires. My A6 is a bit better at sound isolation than my last '09 A4 and about the same as my allroad and former '01 A6. Not as quiet as my friend's Cadillac but very acceptable to me for a luxury sport sedan. As already mentioned, it's best to see if you can isolate where the outside noise is coming from. You could use a db sound meter or db phone app and see if it's close to the published factory specs. (Although various tires can make a difference in the readings when at speed).

<table cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="display-name">Sound level @ idle (dB)</td><td>41.6</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ Full throttle (dB)</td><td>70.9</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ 70 mph cruise (dB)</td><td>63.4</td></tr></tbody></table>

Originally Posted by tadziak

Thanks, exactly. Most of the discussions usually covers typical tire noise. In my case the tires are actually no problem (very little surface/tire noise), but the surrounding noises bother me. It's not really easy to pinpoint the problem to one specific area - I checked all the seals, windows, doors. It seems just that closed car does not insulate enough from the outside noises. I even manage to hear bird chirping when driving slowely with closed windows!

Originally Posted by snagitseven

Hmm. The only bird I hear chirping when the windows are closed is my wife. How about wind noise at speed? Do you hear any excessive sound coming from any of the window seals? That could indicate one or more need to be aligned. If you have a smart phone, try downloading one of the sound level apps as I suggested. If the numbers are similar to the specs, it is what it is and it might mean your hearing is extremely sensitive. If not, there's something not right with the insulation or seals somewhere the car.

Originally Posted by subterFUSE

Well, my road noise from the Pirelli tires is unbearably loud, depending on road surface. Only the smoothest of smooth, newly laid asphalt is silent. Everything else hums very loudly. I might get an SPL meter for tuning my stereo system, and maybe will check the road noise.

I'm really hopful that swapping to Michelins will help. Otherwise, a lot of closed-cell-foam and mass-loaded-vinyl will be going under the floor carpet.

Originally Posted by snagitseven

Pirelli actually has engineers whose sole goal is to make their tires as noisy, out of round and fast wearing as possible. I've been the recipient of these design characteristics more than once.

Originally Posted by gatorguy7

You can't be serious.