Er, by the way, my Bauer got a full refund, a credit to Van Ek,
The problem was apparently that switch again. (mmmmm),
As everyone has said, projectors are of course personal favourite to each of us individually,k, if there was a "best one" we would all have one.
My own experiences are simple,
My Elmo's go on and on and with over 350 films,(bear in mind how often i use them,) no breaks at all in 35 years, i never left the hobby once, and i cant say i have ever been bothered about the sound of the machine, the projector running is a part of the romance of the old home reel cinema. I have never locked myself away in a booth, i like to be a part of my audience, (when there is one), i run my shows sitting very slightly forward of the projector, all i need to do is simply reach back, the separate amplifier is literally next to me so the volume and sound quality is controlled there.
The projector only gets touched to thread a film & switch it on and off.
If a silent machine is required perhaps a change to 100% digital projection?

If there is any noise other than the mechanism sound then there is a problem which, touch wood, i have to experience.