A chain and a chain and sprocket assembly for a roller, bush, or inverted tooth chain is disclosed. The chain has at least two types of link plates having different profiles, with at least one type of link plate having a leading corner for interaction with a contact ring on the sprocket, thereby reducing noise by reducing chordal action and by breaking up the regular timing of roller-sprocket (or bushing-sprocket) and link plate-sprocket impact. A method of reducing noise in a chain and sprocket assembly is also disclosed.