I run a kmc and im just a step above silent. I mean, im sure if I had an izumi V with a super star cog it would be stealthy, but this works fine.
Yeah, it can be a pretty subtle thing, and I'm sure lots of folks don't care. The question, though, was about the best chains available, so...
Here are two easy steps to get a "silent chain":
1. Loosen chain tension
2. Clean/lube chain
Sure, it's got to be clean and lubed. Chain tension, though, is either correct or it isn't. Any chain will make noise if bar-tight, but a good chain will be silent if just a bit looser than that. If the chain has to be really loose it's not a great chain -- and will
still make noise under harder pedalling.
Izumi V, boys and girls... </ soapbox >