Following up on my DCC posts, I am nearing the point I will need to add decoders to my substantial fleet (somewhere between 60-75 locos). I want good quality, yet reasonably priced sound decoders. Extra consideration goes toward those that come with speakers, programmable lighting functions, possible speaker enclosures .... basically an "All in One" kit. Since I model in 1957 (or thereabouts), my roster is primarily "A few remaining steamers" and first generation diesels. Here's a partial list:
Several E6's, E7's, E8's (Mostly Proto 2000), a fair selection of F units, ranging from Stewart FT's to Athearn Genesis F3's and F7's, at least 6 Athearn BlueBox F7's, a pair of RS3's (Atlas? I think?), a pair of Kato NW2 switchers (Yeah, these are going to be a challenge), 2-10-2 (Bachmann Spectrum? Has factory decoder, no sound, reverse circuit blown, runs forward only), three 2-10-0 "Russian" (also Bachmann Spectrum?), 3 or 4 various IHC steamers.
This probably covers 2/3 to 3/4 my roster, at some point I'll compile a more complete and accurate list. But for now, since I'll only be able to do the conversions one or 2 at a time, I figure I'll start with the equipment that fits in with my theme and is likely to see the layout the most. BTW, the Athearn BlueBox units are likely to be repowered during the conversion (for lower current draw and quieter operation), so suggestions for that are welcome, too.
Brad
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
Start with one Tsunami and one Digitrax. The Digitrax motor-and-sound decoders come with speakers and are considerably cheaper. The Tsunamis don't come with speakers, and the term "sticker shock" comes to mind.
Install each of them and listen to the results. That's when you'll know the difference between "good quality" and "reasonably priced." I'm not an audiophile by any means, but the Tsunami is my choice, even though I'm a Scotsman by heritage. Of course, I don't have that many engines, either.
If you run your engines in consists, consider a Tsunami in the lead engine and a simple motor-only decoder in the rest, or cheaper Digitrax units.
Tsunamis come with the sound for a specific engine. The Digitrax models come with two sound sets, one diesel and one steam. If you have access to a PR3 programmer unit, you can download "sound projects" from the web and load them on to the Digitrax decoders to get a better sound match to your locomotives.
There are other good sound decoders, too, like LokSound. I have one of them in a switcher and I love it. I paid to have that one installed. As you said, switchers are a "challenge."
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Brad,
A good-quality sound decoder is going to run you a minimum of $80 and up; depending on the brand. Truthfully, you don't even need to outfit ALL of your locomotives with sound - especially ones that you will be consisting together. One sound decoder in a B-unit of an A-B-A consist would be more than sufficient. And that will save you $$$ over the long haul.
While the Tsunamis have great sound, they don't have very good BEMF. For me - starting out on speed step 001 at <1 sMPH is my benchmark and - to be honest - more important than sound. I really like the low-speed response from the Loksound and newer QSI decoders. And they both have VERY good sound.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I'm sold on Loksound, to the point of having purchased their programmer so I could alter the sounds. I've tried at least one of everything, and apart from locos that already come with sound, I will be installing a Loksound of some sort in any loco I add sound to from now on. They have multiple sizes of decoders to fit smaller locos, and with the programmer you can customize the sounds. You don't have to go all the way to the point of making your own recordings - they have a huge sound library where you cna easily, with a few clicks, mix and match the sounds without being a sound engineer. I did just this for my RS3, the default horn that came with the proper prime mover sound was not the horn used on my prototype, but the horn I needed was in their sound library. A few clicks and the default one was replaced by the new sound and I was all set. Motor control from Loksound in phenomenal, and the sound quality is excellent.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hi Brad-
If you're going to spend money on sound decoders, consider QSI's Titan or Soundtraxx's Tsunami.
QSI's Titan is the newest sound decoder available. It has superlative motor control, stereo sound, industry leading funtionality for lighting outputs. QSI is about to release new sound files for 1st generation EMD & ALCO diesels. I had the good fortune this past week to personally beta test the Titan with new sounds and it is outstanding.
The easiest way to program the Titan is with QSI's proprietary programmer. Like using any new hardware/software there is a learning curve, but the QSI programmer is easy to learn to use.
For the last several years, the Tsunami has set the bar for sound decoders. The 1st gen diesel sounds are superb. Lighting out puts are limited compared to the Titan. Programming the Tsunami can be accomplished via a dedicated programming track using your DCC system. I recommend the NCE Power cab http://www.ncedcc.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=3&category_id=1 ]
or, or JMRI's DecoderPro.
Check these vids out for a small sampling of the Titan and Tsunami:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ok8k3F_VMQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XnNU9Jlbqk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIB8R9yEBlw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QDmyeZsUZA
Hope these help
Erik Fiske
I couldn't fix your brakes, so I made your horn louder
I am with Erik on the Titan. Once I knew they were available, although delayed in terms of availability, I ordered one each for a BlueLine A Class I snagged from BLI's Refurbished Deals section, and for about the last commercially available Spectrum Heavy Mountain I could find anywhere. I had my installer buddy rip the guts out of the A, and he installed straight hardwires into both engines. Wow....and double wow! As far as I am concerned, no more Tsunamis (thanks to Soundtraxx for all their development years ago and for relieving us steam nuts of the earliest QSI's and DLC's from Sountraxx) for me.
I would happily continue to support Tsunami decoder sales if they broadened their sound file base and adopted a straight BEMF component. However, if you go into the 200 series CV's, you can get your Tsunamis to control HO model drives as well as any LokSound. Done it with my Stealth J Class.
Crandell
Confused, Brad? You came here seeking clarity, and all we've done is stir up the river bottom and name more decoders than you knew existed, right?
It's all good news, though. Each of these is a good product. Since you've got a number to install anyway, you can give each of them a try and pick your favorites. I've got Soundtraxx decoders (both LC and Tsunami), Digitrax, Loksound, QSI and TCS in my small fleet, and they all play nicely together.
**Looking utterly bewildered**
Last train show I was at - a couple years ago - I had the chance to hear some of the offerings at that time. I wasn't impressed with the Digitrax decoders sound. From what I've read, it's now possible to load different sounds to them, depending what you're putting it in. I'm probably looking to spend roughly US$100 per locomotive for each conversion. I'm sure sound decoders have come a long way the last couple years, and will continue to do so even as I do the conversions.
Looking forward to more input.