What size bulbs are you using? If you're using 500 watt bulbs you can drop down to the 350 or 225 ultra bulbs. Still get the light but you can get away with a smaller genny.

I've bought a couple of the Chinese made'honda clone' gennys and so far everybody seems to like them. They're now around $230.00 (with tax)for a 3000 watt (3500 peak) model. They're fairly quiet and come with a one year warranty. I'll pobably buy another when I go back up to Chicagoland. If you're interested, I'll pick up two.