Hmm, very personal this topic is. It might help people give better suggestions, though, if we knew a little more about what you're after. Are you wanting a click-pawl reel? Or something with a disc drag? That'd narrow down your choices pretty quickly. Also, what is your budget?

Personally I like the simplicity and aesthetics of a click-pawl on lighter rods. They seem to go especially well with fiberglass. I don't like loud reels, though. I don't want everyone within 50 yards of me to know every time I strip off line or hook a good fish. Most click-pawl reels are too loud for my taste, in fact, but I absolutely love my Islander reel. Design and craftsmanship is top-notch and it is pretty smooth for a click-pawl. It's about at the top of my volume tolerance but I make an exception because I like everything else about it so much. Another click-pawl I would love is an Orvis CFO, which is also pretty smooth for a click-pawl. A lot of people really love their Abels and I can't say anything bad about them other than being a bit loud for my taste.

If you want something really simple and modern-looking check out the Galvan Brookie. No finger-adjustable drag, which some people like for its simplicity, modern styling, and a nice soft clicking sound.

As for disc drag reels...I have owned a number of Ross Evolutions including one that has been very heavily used for 10 years now and I have never been dissatisfied with them. Their sound-both tone and volume-is about ideal in my mind.

I'm looking at click and pawl reels
Just got a scientific angler 8 hardy it's to loud for me on the flip side my lamson speedster is on the quiet side trying to find a happy medium

Meisselbach-Cattucci 'Symploreel'

Sorry, for me, the quieter the better. I fish a lot with Medalists though, so it's no dealbreaker.

I personally believe that plate winders have the best sound, given the enclosure acts as a resonator of sorts. A 1912 with brass arm bar is my absolute favorite (but do get a little pricey), but these are the three I have that appeal to me most. The Ross Colorado isn’t bad, the new Abel Trout with pawl mounted on the spool have a very pleasant unique sound as well. But to me the perfect style is just perfect.

I have click-and-pawl reels from Hardy, Orvis, J.W. Young, Martin, and others. I prefer the subdued and fine sound of the Orvis CFOs. The newer Orvis Battenkills sound like a cheap duck call... ;-)

Tight lines,
Bob

For a 3/4 wt size reel I would suggest a Hardy Featherweight and for a 5wt I suggest
a Hardy LRH reel. Both are click and pawl reels, with very nice sound both reeling in or while the line is pulled. You can find these reels many times used in the forums.
DinoC

Orvis Battenkill click pawl, made by BFR. The sweetest sounding reel I own.

I forgot one of my unlikely favorites: an old Orvis Madison II (from the '90s; Cortland Crown clone?) with plastic pawls. It has a unique and pleasing sound to me.

Tight lines,
Bob

Another MG3 fan here, but it’s hard to beat the purr of an older Hardy perfect or Heddon imperial.

I agree, the Abel CFO's do have an overly aggressive sound. Glad to hear I'm not the only one bothered by this. The design and function are excellent, but there's just too much click.

I'm going to agree with the bulldog and go with the old Hardy Marquis for best sounding reel.

Pflueger Medalist with the aftermarket One Pfoot drag plate installed.