Tyre noise, bearings or gearbox whine?

[halliards]

I've recently bought an ex-lease 2005 A3 1.9TDi SE with full Audi service history.
I'm loving the car and have just had a 60k mile service done.
Whilst in the garage, I asked them to have a look at front bearings, tyres and CV joints. The reason is, I get a lot of what seems to be road/tyre noise; a real whining noise!
They couldn't find anything wrong, but wear indicates new tyres in about 1k miles.
Can anyone please suggest a queit tyre? I currently have mixed tyres up front (1 Michelin & 1 Ceat). Could this be the reason?
Has anyone else experienced this problem? I'm keeping fingers crossed that it's only tyres! (I'm living in fear of gearbox whine).
Please don't frighten me, but any advice would be welcome!

[randall977]

I've just bought a TDi 140 Sport, just about to do a 60K service too. Had some noise on the front and turned out to be a worn bearing. Noise at the rear also seems to be a worn bearing. I phoned Audi and they say that the bearings regularly go on the newer A3's. Cost me £190 for the front - I guess it will be £100 for the rear. My tyres also need replacing in 1K - I'm looking at Dunlop SP Sport Maxx - £365 for 4. I have them at the mo and they are quiet even though they are well worn. Other option is whatever deal they are doing at Costco!

[halliards]

Thanks for the response!
I'm just about ready for tyre changing; rubber's dear, so I want to get my monies worth out of these first.
Why do manufacturers seem to make so many variations on a tyre? I thought I'd just get some SP 9000's to match the rears, but have been offered two nearly new SP 3000's already on matching wheels. I priced them online, they seem to be about £100+ each. (tyre only, that is!)
Apparently, these are summer only, but I assume it's okay to put these together with SP 9000's....what do you think?
After that, it's 'head out the window' for noise recognition. I'm still crossing fingers for road noise, but am rapidly losing faith! Having said that..I'd rather have wheel bearings replaced than confront gear/transmission problems!!!!
Thanks again.