[TenTec] Argonaut V question

[jcharley at bellsouth.net]

I have an Argonaut V for my secondary station.  The space is limited and it's size is ideal.  The V replaced an Elecraft K2 that I built.  The Argonaut seems noisy and tiring to listen to.  My question: Am I spoiled by my main station rigs the Orion and Omni C?  They are much quieter and easier to listen to.  Am I expecting too much of the V?  Am I not using some control appropriately?  Or is there another smallish rig that will do better?
73 and tnx for any input.
Crit/K4BXN