Trainers and noise

I got a used Nashbar Fluid trainer (so a relatively bare bones and cheap one) and don't even have to turn the TV volume up.

Find a fluid trainer is my recommendation.  I don't really know much about how different brands compare since I just got mine because it was cheap and I was getting sick of the noise the magnetic trainer made.

It really depends on the quality and construction of the trainer.  And the workout you're doing.  There's a number of different technologies for creating resistance on a trainer.  Wind, inductive braking (mag trainer), and hydraulic pump (fluid trainer).  A good quality fluid trainer will have good bearings, a smooth, large roller, and solid construction.  These all contribute to reducing the noise generated by the machine.

 Kurt kinetics and CycleOps make some good trainers. 

 Making sure that the roller is kept clean will help.  Mold release compound from new tires will absolutely gum up the roller and create a huge racket.  I also use a doubled up thick yoga mat under the trainer so I'm more isolated from the floor.  I usually ride the trainer while my 3yo sleeps in the next room.  It can't be too loud.  

I use a TravelTrak Fluid trainer on my hardwood floor condo.  A lot quieter than expected.  If you have carpet, or put the set u p on a yoga mat of something, it would help further reduce the noise. 

It also depends on how the building is constructed.  I used to ride in my ex-BF's townhouse.  The  resonance from his wood plus the acoustic effect created so much vibration that his neighbor thought I was sawing down the building.  Then I had to move into the basement, which has concreate floor, and no more vibration. 

This was a big concern of mine when I was buying a trainer, as I also live in an apartment with neighbors on all sides of me.  For a variety of reasons I ended up getting a Kinetic Road Machine, and ride with a mat underneath.  When I'm riding I have to turn the tv up a little louder, but all in all it's pretty quiet.  I've never gotten any complaints from neighbors, but I've always wondered if they could hear anything.  Yesterday, I actually ran into my downstairs neighbor, mentioned the trainer/my riding and she said that she's never heard a thing.