Over the years, I recall people doing "scientific" tests, but I am not sure how precise most of this information really was. Like most, I go by what I can hear. B50 has always seemed quieter to me, but all string fibers have needed tuning and the use of silencing materials. It does seem to me that the low stretch strings do make more noise. It would be nice to find some really accurate testing data, but in reality, I have done well with more subjective methods. In short, if it sounds sufficiently quiet, then it is. The problem with my approach is that as I age, I could use a guitar string without hearing much. Also, I have a question. Do the different string materials "twang" with different harmonics, and would tone make any difference to game? Where did you guys find these articles you mentioned?