Oops, in the example above, I should have said I had my dealer put in Mobil 1. I was using Mobil 1 before Penn Plat.
Even though the dealer's bulk oil and Walmart-bought Mobil 1 had the same 5w-30 viscosity, I can't say the change in sound was a result of switching from conventional to synthetic. It may have just been switching to a higher quality, better-made oil, I guess.
I didn't notice any change in sound volume when switching from Mobil 1 to Pennzoil Platinum, but I did notice a change in sound frequency.
I can't wait to try Amsoil and, then RLI after that!