Peter,
Standard spindle with Desktop IS quieter than almost any DC you can get, when bit hits the wood is different, but Many bits cut fairly quietly as well.
My Desktop/spindle is 35' from home theater separated by 9"insulated wall, but only a regular steel fire door to shop. Many hours cutting while people watched movies, and only asked to keep door firmly shut/ NOT to cut with 1/4" Downcut I hadn't quieted down/and to keep the Fein TurboII at power setting below 5.
Look at #25 on this thread and maybe ask Shopbot what can be done for you with a Desktop "Max"?
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/sho...hlight=DESKTOP
When Kevin mentions Max, he's referring to this thread,
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/sho...Z-modification
Max does beautiful work and just upgraded to spindle,
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/sho...rm-up-question
two cents
scott
scott P.
2013 Desktop/spindle/VCP 12.0*
Maine