Noise levels during recording can be considerable with some drives, and
depending on how old or how much use it has seen, playback sometimes too. I
had a Plextor burner that had an awful noise level, and they are considered
among the best.
I had an early Yamaha burner that was terrible, even when brand new. I use
LG drives exclusively now, and except for a random unbalanced disc (you do
get bad ones) LG is very quiet.
I don't know how new or old your Sony burner is, but if you care to invest
in a new one; buy an LG, you will not be disappointed and you will like the
$$. Liteon burners are very popular and they also crap-out
unexpectedly...Some ask me who the hell "LG" is, never heard of 'em, but
they know Liteon and Plextor and other major names. LGs specs are as good as
any burner and the newer dual layer burners also burn RAM discs, the only
burner I know that does.
Most people would say who cares about RAM discs (and what are they good
for?) well, you can rewrite a RAM disc and I use them for data. If this
sounds like I'm pimpin' for LG, you're correct.