got new tires - went with falken 512's - reasons inside.
 

availability was the #1 reason i went with the Falkens. discount tire had a set in stock, and were able to put them on this morning. the timing coupled with the price made them kind of the only option.

thanks for everyone's advice on the topic.

i'm still hoping to get some different wheels at some point - now thinking 18" S4 Avus. if and when that happens, i'll probably try to go with the Yoko Advan S.4.'s or the Goodyear f1's.

as for the noise of the Falkens...
my old tires were in such bad shape, the new tires are practically sound free (i know my mind will change as time wears on). this frees my ears up to focus on all of the "not quite right" sounds that i always think my car is making.

today's paranoia - whirring sound on acceleration at 80mph.

thanks again for the input.
j.

Re: got new tires - went with falken 512's - reasons inside.
 

Gotta watch that wind noise now :-D