It's been a couple of weeks since I got my Bachmann RS-3 with Soundtraxx sound/DCC and I really like it. I think Bachmann has done a great job of providing low cost sound equipped locos. The engine runs very smoothly and even at low speeds. I actually bought two of them, one with and one without sound. I wanted a NYC with sound and they don't sell it so I got an L&N with sound and swapped bodies/chassis. I would highly recommend this engine.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
In the past, Bachmann has used a 'low end' Lenz decoder(inexpensive). I am not sure what they are now using as Lenz pricing has skyrocketed in the past 2 years. The 'sound' decoder Bachmann is using is a SoundTraxx 'special' Tsunami with a limited set of features.
While the non-sound decoder may not be a 'silent drive' decoder, I applaud Bachmann for pushing DCC with their upgraded product line.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Yep, the Bachmann DCC on Board decoders will generally be lower-quality decoders. And some decoders are more quiet/noisy than other decoders.
I generally choose TCS, NCE, and Lenz decoders for my decoder installations. The noise doesn't bother me near as much as the wide variance of motor-control. The Lenz Silver and Gold decoders are top-notch for motor control; with TCS and NCE a close second.
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 just ordered the RS3 wiith sound and am anxious to see how it runs/sounds. I haven't recieved it yet but when I get it I will post my comments. I have other Bachmann DCC equipped locos and they all run great, some with sound and some just DCC.
Bob
This is an interesting observation I've made, that may be somewhat related to the thread I made about the yellow-orange LED's in my Bachmann RS-3.
The Bachmann is my first DCC locomotive and it came equiped with a built-in decoder, but no sound. Testing it out, I thought it was kind of noisy, especially noticable at slow speed. In fact it sounded a lot like my old Athearn DC models!
As planned, I replaced it with a Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder. Testing it out, with no speaker attached, I found it to be extremely quiet. There was no comparison to the stock Bachmann decoder. This must be another way to keep costs down, by putting in cheap decoders.