Thanks all for the inputs.
Just had the dealer check it out. Apparently the valves are operating normally!!
So, while the exhaust still sounds good to me, I still cannot distinguish a difference whether the switch is activated, or in dynamic mode, or the fuse is removed - no matter how hard I push the accelerator.
So, not unhappy with the sound, just not able to tell the difference, and a bit baffled. My cat growls pretty good regardless of driving mode. It occasionally pops at start-up.
BTW I am not hard of hearing or unable to distinguish different notes or volumes!!
Still, have to love the growl.

 

That is strange. It is dramatically different with valves closed vs open on the V8.

 

Have you tried listening to another 2021 to see if it sounds like yours?

 

I wish I knew somebody with a 2021, but alas no.
F-Types are few and far betwen here, though ironically there is an identical 2022 (BRG vert) 8 cylinder P450 that shows up from time to time just a mile away.
I have yet to catch the owner to speak to.
I may try to record my exhaust sound at different settings and post back.

 

Maybe there is one on a dealer lot nearby you can listen to?

 

Took the car in for its 24 month service and asked again for the active exhaust to be checked.
I still am unable to detect any difference between regular, dynamic mode or depressed active exhaust button.
Unlike the previous check whe it was declard "normal", this time a code was identified with initial diagnosis of failed solenoid.
So, new solenoid is on order for fittig in mid March.
Trouble is it may be a case of "be careful what you wish for" , "leave well enough alone", or "first do no harm"!!
The car sounds great right now - presumably because the exhaust is open continuously.
I just feel like it should work the way JLR intended but may miss the growl in the future once it is fixed.
I guess I shall just have to depress both the eco stop/start button and the active exhaust button whenever I drive!!

 

Well if they end up fixing it and it's too muted, even with the switch on, you can always pull fuse #15 again and it'll be as loud as you have it now, since you didn't detect any difference between the two.

 

Yes - figure at least I will know