Thanks guys.... I still haven't had the inclination to mess with it, but I did use it tonight without the felt piece there and the sky didn't fall.
Roger, I agree with Chase... Eurekas in general are quieter than other brands.... this one is not a screamer by any means.... the motor is relatively quite and solid sounding.... what you hear more is the tremendous airflow and the sound of the aggressive brushroll thudding the carpet. I looked at the yellow one at Wal-mart when I was shopping for this one, but it didn't have the turbo tool... I wanted a turbo tool, but I don't know why because it doesn't work that great.... if I could combine the hose on this one with the Hoover turbo, it would be a match made in heaven. This is the only vacuum I've bought new (the Black and Decker Flex and Hoover Steam Vac don't really count, and the Windtunnel was a Big Lots refurb).... I paid more for it than I did nicer, more expensive machines (Kirby Sentria, Dyson DC 14 (which really isn't nicer, just more expensive), Miele plus), but I wanted it badly! The cord is too short, you have to reach for the switch, it creaks, some of the attachments don't fit on the end of the 2nd wand, the handle release pedal and bare floor switch (also badly placed) are too firm, and the bristles on the dusting brush have warped even though I haven't used it much at all.... but I love the way it looks and works, the attachments are decent, and bags and belts are readily available.
Chase, purple and gold were my high school colors! I just wish the bag door release handle and height adjust knob were yellow too!
Here's a video I made of the Smart Vac compared to the Windtunnel so you can see how they sound in comparison.... I also have one of it compared to the Dyson if you search my channel...
