Something has to be off. The Kolber Sterlings should be ablut the same as the Ultimates, and I would expect the Vistalux to be as well. Truthfully I have been a bit out of the loop on wood windows fgor a few years so am a little behind on some of the newer offerings but something definitely appears to be "off". Specs are all identical? Did you verify that both quotes were correct? Same specs? Cladding and finish should not make that much of a difference. What quantity of windows are we talking about?

Ok, so I've gone back in detail through the quotes and did make a mistake - I didn't take into account the taxes on one of the quotes and ended up being off 10K. The Kolbe Vistaluxe (triple pane) with tax is $72,591 and the Marvin Ultimate (double pane) with tax is $66,460. A difference of $6,131. The Marvin dealer said if we wanted to add triple pane it would be a 30% increase so the Marvin triple pane would then come to $86,398.

Now, taking into account all triple paned and everything else being the same interior/exterior, the Marvin is $13,807 higher than the Kolbe Vistaluxe. Based on what I have been reading, others have had similar quotes - Marvin coming in higher than Kolbe.

My question still is, what makes the Marvin's so much better than the Kolbe Vistaluxe?

We're glad you're considering our VistaLuxe Collection! If you'd like Nick Pesl, our Product & Market Specialist, to go over the features & benefits with you, feel free to email him at nick.pesl@kolbewindows.com. Thanks!

I had always found the spread betwee the two to be closer. But that being said the Marvins are generally a bit more pricey in general. Not necessarily better or higher quality just a bit more expensive. They may do a bit more custom than Kolbe as well. Are they from the same dealer? Do you have multiple quotes? Different dealers may have different discounts due to volume from either and or.

Where are you located? I have Marvin windows, and opted against triple-pane against everyone’s advice and I am in the Chicago area. I have been happy with the double-pane. The only place where I can feel some cold is on the large sliding glass door, and only when it’s single digits or below. I do not regret going with the double-pane Marvins.

We are in Utah so can get cold as well. We have been considering double pane and putting more insulation in the walls instead. I've read that the cost of the triple panes may not be worth it. Why did you end up going with Marvins?

@jh2175, from what you described, it sounds like the Vistluxe were the clear winner. They also have narrower sashes (more glass area) than the Marvin's, which I consider another plus.

So which did you end up going with? I'm trying to decide between the same two. Thanks!

We are going with Marvin. They will have a 2 3/16" jamb. We struggled making a decision, but Marvin pricing came in better than the Vistaluxe and they are doing a custom lift and slide that Kolbe could not do.

Kym, thanks for sharing your experience. So sorry to hear about the noise issue. I would be very upset by that. I do know they make insulated glass units specifically designed for noise suppression. Based on what you've described, it makes me wondering if your Andersons had that and the Kolbe's don't. I would think if your Kolbe dealer "guaranteed" they would be quieter, he/she might help you find a solution (trade your igu's for ones with a higher stc rating). Good luck with it. Btw, I've decided not to go with Koble. They look good but too many mixed reviews!

Pat-

Interesting comment. I went back to see the order...of course they make it very challenging for lay people to understand the shorthand. The salesperson called them “sound deadening“ although that seems to be his own terminology. And I know they were twice as heavy as my other windows but I am not sure. Wondering if anyone else can decifer what we actually have. I also included a screenshot of the Kolbe site classification of vistaluxe glass options. Would appreciate any decifering,

Kym,

The "Sound Control Lami" is laminated glass, which is considered the best for sound proofing. But I did a quick search on google and came across this statement:

" Soundproof glass won’t do you much good if your windows have gaps or cracks between the seals. An airtight install, complete with adequate weatherstripping, creates a barrier to keep out unwanted noise. Additionally, insulated vinyl frames, which are filled with foam, also block outside sound and help soundproof your window frames.

Also look for windows that have a nonmetal window spacer system. What does that mean? The window space is the piece that keeps the two panes separated. In a nonmetal spacer system, this part is composed of silicone rubber covered with sealant. That means it has better insulating properties than its metal counterparts.

Essentially, anything you can do to better seal and insulate your home also improves its sound performance. So as a bonus, when you soundproof your home, you’ll also get better overall energy efficiency for windows and lower utility bills as well. "

So this could be the problem. The glass might be fine, but maybe the seals (or frame) leak more than your Andersens did, which is why you're noticing more noise. Kolbe should have a spec for air infiltration for the windows you ordered. Might be worth checking that out. Good luck with it all.

https://thewindowdog.com/air-infiltration-air-leakage-rating-2/

I enlarged it but it was too fuzzy to read. Just guessing: If it doesn't say some kind of laminated glass then it probably is unlike glass thicknesses (3/16" or 1/4" glass, 1/2" air space with or without argon gas, and 1/8" glass) to make up the insulated glass unit. Windows and doors are only one part of the building envelope and may not be your sound emitting culprit.

You have laminated glass (re: Unit 1.1: CLR (Clear) Laminate). It doesn't say what thickness was used but it should provide an STC in the 33 range which is pretty good short of a secondary window which can get you up into the 40's. If the sound is worse, there is something else happening in your home. What did Kolbe say? You may need to consult with a sound engineer. I know that doesn't help. Sorry.