[mkossler]

Different tread patterns and compounds can absolutely affect the sound level, depending on surface and speed. Today's tires are supposedly engineered to limit the sound signature as much as possible, without sacrificing treadwear, traction and temperature performance targets.

I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise that the complaints I hear about excessive noise seem to involve tires that provide good traction performance but are a relative bargain. It may just be that the cost differential is as much in the R&D and engineering as it is in the materials and fabrication.