What could cause GE and Rolls-Royce turbofan engines to sound different? I've often as a passenger noticed the difference of the sound coming from different airliners. I believe the two manufacturers I have compared are Rolls-Royce and GE, where the latter's engines sound more "electric" (funny enough) and the former's more distorted and noisy.
Do these observations make sense? And what could possibly create such a difference i sound? I was in the belief that engine design of turbofan engines is somewhat established and detailed.
The GE90 engines have a higher bypass ratio than the RR Trent.  

The majority of engine noise, especially the "ripping, howling, typical jet noise" comes from the engine core.  

The higher the bypass ratio, the less air passing through the core for any given thrust and the more cold air meets the core exhaust at the back reducing the shear

Jet engines with no bypass ratio and deep intakes produce a wonderful sound