Sitting in front of the engine louder than vice-versa (on takeoff)?

[EmadIV]

Hello everyone, it's my first post here :) ! I've posted this on other forums but it didn't gain enough attention.
Many say commercial widebodies such as the Boeing 777 or 747 'get louder as you go behind the engines'. Most videos on YouTube prove otherwise-on takeoff you can hardly notice any engine noise when you sit near the back. Examples:
BA 777 Takeoff DFW 17R (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gity_aNvPHU#)
Lufthansa Boeing 747 take-off from Newark Liberty Airport (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDad3Yzu70E#ws)
A330 takeoff from Kangerlussuaq (BGSF), Greenland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEZyksVoaaQ#ws)
Pretty quiet, no?
Well, what will happen if the viewpoint changes to 'in front of the engines'?
777 Boeing AA Takeoff take off- SPEAKERS ON MAX - LAX to LHR - THE BEST (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KtN8k9q-2U#)
Boeing 747 takeoff from San Francisco International (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylnAtBKNMKo#) (747)
airberlin A330-300 *D-AERK* Takeoff AT Düsseldorf Airport (HD) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee3-_M2SWLg#ws) (A330)
A lot louder, isn't it? Not just 'louder', a great deal of a difference is noted.
A simple Google search shows many topics in forums proving the opposite. In fact, I haven't found a single post yet that says it's quieter from the back. From my experience and knowledge you hear the rather loud engine 'whine' from the front as well. This doesn't apply to airliners like the MD-80 where the engines are mounted near the back, it can get very loud back there.
Any ideas? I'm very confused :confused: !
Thank you! I would like answers from the professional pilots!

[BlueTui]

I think it's perceived negativity of the rear of the aircraft bought on by years of having first class/business class up front.

I notice it is a lot noisier at the doors directly in front of the engines rather than the very front or directly behind the engines/over the wing. That being said it does get very noisy at the very back on bigger aircraft(777/767)

So I would say on most aircraft sit either close to the first set of doors or the third ones along. Obviously not for MD-80 type aircraft.

[vctenderness]

On the old BEA Vanguards 60's/70's First Class cabin was at the rear of the aircraft. I presume that was for reasons of quiteness.

Not a jet of course.

[Hotel Tango]

On the old BEA Vanguards 60's/70's First Class cabin was at the rear of the aircraft.

The same went for the piston airliners such as DC-6, DC-7, Constellation and (I think) the Stratocruiser.

With today's jets, the front is definitely the quietest place.

[The SSK]

Last week I had two connecting flights, a 737-600 and a 737-700. In both I was in row 2, so was rather further ahead of the engines in the -700. it was appreciably quieter.

From painful experience I can confirm that turboprops were much quieter at the back than the front.

On the old BEA Vanguards 60's/70's First Class cabin was at the rear of the aircraft. I presume that was for reasons of quiteness.

Sadly forgotten by todays Dash-8 operators. On the same trip my outbound ncluded a 2+ hours sector in a Q400 (Q for quiet!) in business class - at the front. It was purgatory.

[EmadIV]

I notice it is a lot noisier at the doors directly in front of the engines rather than the very front or directly behind the engines/over the wing.
Yes, I believe that's true. I've traveled on an A330-300 powered by PWs right behind the door and in front of the engines. Very noisy on takeoff indeed. My ears literally hurt from the noise. I don't think it's louder from the back than right next to the engine and behind a door.
So I would say on most aircraft sit either close to the first set of doors or the third ones along.
This advice makes complete sense to me. Thank you for the very detailed explanation, rather than other forums which simply say "its quieter from the front". I repeat my thanks.
Simon