No, it is not. I guess human perception starts to notice at 3-4 db. Thanks for the kudos! I really did my research. The new d/w was in installed this morning. We're going on vacation tomorrow, but I will post about the new one after we do some loads (maybe in 2 weeks or so). I sincerely pray and hope that it has to be better than this crappy LG. I missed a few things. The T and U are the only ones that have the 3rd rack. The U is only available at retailers who will agree to show the entire U line (stoves, etc). KA has lead me to believe the only difference between the T and U is that the U has a totally removeable bottom rack. I have never seen a U or a M. Like I said, the LG sucks and I will post about the T as soon as I have run a few loads. Interestingly enough, DH & I both noticed the LG was getting louder by the day! The service technician said he was going to send it to service versus back to the store since I could have gotten one with a bad motor. It had a new or possibly burning smell after over a dozen loads, plus the dishes weren't clean. He said they are taking back like 5 of these every week...and that people love the KAs.

A kitchen and bath store in Deer Park Long Island about 30 min. away sells only Hassem cabinets but his showroom looks so messy with cartons piled onto each other obscuring the door styles that it makes it unlikely that anyone can find what they are looking for. Yet people must be buying Hanssem as stores sell them or they would go out of business. At this time, I am slightly discouraged with what I hear about Hanssem. I am looking for a frameless, very moderately priced cabinet that won't give me any aggravation with a light maple finish and a door that looks like the Camden door (framed Thomasville.) I have Omega door taste and a Thomasville door pocket.

I find that with increasingly open floor plans, it is very difficult to have tile in the kitchen. Wood works beautifully, looks good, easy on the legs and not really a huge water spilling problem. However, I totally understand the desire for tile. I love a nice stone floor in the kitchen. If your kitchen is not open to a big public room, then you could go ahead with a more traditional kitchen floor.

I don't think you find many (or any) user reviews, This is a European centric luxury brand. I've seen their stuff and it looked great, can't comment on functionality or usage. Their website shows about ten or 12 dealers in all of North America. Nine in Florida, and the rest scattered with one each in Ohio, Hollywood, CA, TX and Vancouver, BC. That would raise a big red flag if you are in US or Canada. Everytime you need parts, service or support it will be a challenge, it could be done but they seem to be lacking a nationwide dealer network. I'd also say check ahead of time on installation needs, are the specs easy to read (in english?) Can electricians, plumbers and kitchen/architects/cabinet makers get the info they need? Not every appliance installer will be up to the challenge in this, you'll need to find the right one.