You are right about the noise, not a ton you can do about that other than wear ear protection. I would say have your wife go with you and check out both blowers, they are both nice machines that would meet your needs.

Since you in Vermont, I would look at an 7 to 8 hp Toro. I have an 826 and it can handle heavy snow.

I would have your wife try out a couple of models. Definitely go for a 2 stage and not a paddle. I think 5 hp is going to be a little too weak.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

Look at my post below(Snowblower-4cycle)I also am trying to decide between single stage and 2 stage.I am leaning toward a single stage because of a room issue.Honda 4 cycle I can get for less then the Toro 2 cycle.

I am telling you, if you ever get wet snow during the year, you will regret a single stage. I have the Honda HS520 and it is woeful for wet snow. I am in the market for a compact 2 stage: Ariens, Cub Cadet and the aforementioned Toro. I wish I had bought a 2 stage from the beginning.

Did you look at my post below?tomplum says a single stage works fine in the wet stuff?

I can only speak for myself then. My HS520 will have a difficult time with even 3" of wet snow. You don't even know what happened when I got a foot!