In an earlier post that detailed a number of CV changes to improve the sound on these models, In my opinion, the changes were very worthwhile and definitely clarified the sound.
http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/t/183783.aspx
The letter from Athearn indicated that mods were being made to the speaker enclosure/baffles. I found this video on Youtube where the guy modified the speaker by adding a baffle and sealing the speaker enclosure. It's hard to tell, but it sounds like the sound definitely improved. It's pretty amazing how a baffle can alter the sound as I have found on some of my installs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFSIucRROlU&feature=related
This modification sounds similar to what Athearn was saying they were going to do on future runs. I don't understand all I know about this stuff yet since I've only been in the hobby aroud 55 years. You can file this in the FWIW box if you like. I thought it was a worthwhile bit of info.
Many don't understand that the baffle is actually a part of the speaker system. Not installing one is similar to talking into a hollow box.
Springfield PA
How many threads is it now on how to "improve" the new Athearn SD70Ace? Lighting issues, warped trucks, sound issues, broken detail parts. It is a real shame that lack of attention to quality details has let down an otherwise really impressive model.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Good point. Guess I'm glad I got the MTH vesions. I'm not seeing too many fix up the MTH ACE threads these days.
Thanks, yes this issue has been known for a while, even before the loco was released in my opinion. Just another reason why you shouldn't buy a loco without trying it out first. There is a similar issue on the MP15AC. I fixed mine with a better speaker and enclosure.
In general you want the largest most tightly sealed enclosure possible in a model train. Not an easy task.
BTW, my SD70ACe by MTH sounds great and doesn't have warpage issues either.
Richard
Not really looking to change the subject but could a few of you give me a manufacturer rating, good, better best, junk.
The manufacturer rating is Good, just not that particular loco. I think they were in too much of a hurry to better MTH's release and let ti go too early.
KHM60 Not really looking to change the subject but could a few of you give me a manufacturer rating, good, better best, junk.
The last several Athearn's I've purchased had to be repaired
1, The MP15AC wouldn't go, Athearn replaced the motor. Then I had to fix the sound by putting in a better speaker with effective enclosure. The OEM speaker wasn't baffled well.
2. GTEL Veranda had very dim lights and I had to fix that when I put in the Tsunami. Then after 30 minutes of operation the front truck fell off. I looked for about 15 minutes and located the parts on the layout and had to reassemble.
3. I have also had to replace poor wheelsets in Genesis cars, ones that were wobbly.
So, I can't say too much positive about Athearn other than their customer service. IMHO that is because Horizon is driving the production and quality now, while the old Athearn people are handling the customer service trying to make up for the poor job that Horizon is doing. I actually feel kind of sorry for the Athearn people. They built up a good company only to have it taken over by a distributor that does not know their business.
At this point I think Horizon's product is very questionable. I would buy only after testing.