That's a good point. There are so few FE's that I come across here on island I really had no way to compare the sound. So, I figured it must be "normal". Of course, you would think changing the starter every year or so would be a "clue".
Starters are $50 bucks, three bolts, I can change one blind folded now, so never worried about it "that much". Yup, the new starter is SUPER quiet. Anything more than that, you gotta a problem!