When climbing the steepest part of the pass to my local ski hill I am in 4th gear pulling 3000-4000 rpm. The sound level of the engine is very moderate and I actually like it. But during a pedal to the floor pass the revs go all the way to redline and, I agree, then the sound is not as pleasant.
Agreed, the unpleasant sound is obvious at about 5000+ rpm. This has never been my favorite engine config. Below 4000 the sound is quite refined and easily competitive with NVH of any 4 banger compact SUV.