  Coherent optical memories will likely play an important role in future
quantum communication networks. Among the different platforms, memories based
on ladder-type orbital transitions in atomic gasses offer high bandwidth
($>100$ MHz), continuous (on-demand) readout, and low-noise operation. Here we
report on an upgraded setup of our previously-reported fast ladder memory, with
improved efficiency and lifetime, and reduced noise. The upgrade employs a
stronger control field, wider signal beam, reduced atomic density, higher
optical depth, annular optical-pumping beam, and weak dressing of an auxiliary
orbital to counteract residual Doppler-broadening. For a 2 ns-long pulse, we
demonstrate 53% internal efficiency, 35% end-to-end efficiency, $3\times
10^{-5}$ noise photons per pulse, and a $1/e$ lifetime of 108 ns. This
combination of performances is a record for continuous-readout memories.
