sugar cube speakers

[bnsf0823]

Does anyone have a preferance for what brand of sugar cube speakers to use in locos.  Im installing a econami decoder in a genesis sd 70 ho scale engine.  I know there are a few different ones out there was just wondering what people have experienced with them.  thanks 

[peahrens]

I've installed Knowles speakers in a number of diesels in the last two years.  I got them from DigiKey as someone here recommended them for direct purchase.  I can say they are inexpensive and fast USPS shipping. 

I see that MBKlein now sells two Knowles speakers, the 9x16mm Wildcat and the 11x15mm Cobra.  Note the former is 8 ohm, the latter 6 ohm.  I note the 4 Knowles speakers below use 3 different cone materials (polyester, PEEK and silicone) but I don't know if one is inherently better than another for our purposes.

https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=knowles+speaker&Submit=

https://tonystrains.com/product-category/products/speakers_enclosures/page/3/

http://www.digikey.com/product-search/compare/en?returnUrl=%2Fproduct-search%2Fen%2Faudio-products%2Fspeakers%2F720966%3Fk%3Dknowles%2Bspeaker%26pv60%3D106%26mnonly%3D0%26newproducts%3D0%26ColumnSort%3D0%26page%3D1%26quantity%3D0%26ptm%3D0%26fid%3D0%26pageSize%3D25&part=423-1399-ND&part=423-1200-ND&part=423-1171-ND

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/knowles/2403%20260%2000091/423-1201-ND/4376275

Tony's trains also adopted some sugarcubes but I haven't decided to try those.

I'd suggest:

- check out the Streamline BackShops page

- check out Tony's and MBK

- call SBS and/or Tonys and inquire

- buy some from one of those you discuss with if you're happy with the advice

I've used mostly the 13x18mm Knowles Grand (8 ohm) and been very happy with them.  I figure that the larger of the two sizes I have (the smaller is the 11x15mm Donau) are better, though who knows.  The 18mm fit across the hood in long hood diesels, and I've used from two to four in a loco, making styrene enclosures.  I've often milled the weight to make room for the enclosure, don't know if you're willing to do that.

DigiKey sent an email saying the Grand would go out of production this year.  I bought a bunch that will last awhile.  They offerred up an alternative brand in that size but it is $6 each so I may skip paying so much.  I suspect the installation (enclosure, number of speakers, etc) is as important as the brand and/or size.  I haven't seen much info on the Forum on one brand vs another.

EDIT: here's the CUI substitute for the Knowles Grand that DigiKey offered up.  A 4th cone material (PET).  No clue whether they are worth double the cost.

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/0/102-3541-ND

EDIT: And here's another 13x18 ($%) from Mallory:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/mallory-sonalert-products-inc/PSR1813N07S2.5K/458-1472-ND/5699792

 

EDIT: Here's a video of my favorite project so far, Kato C44-9Ws with LokSound Select added and 4 each Grand speakers.

 

 

 

[hon30critter]

bnsf0823:

I have used the 15mm x 11mm 8 ohm speakers that Paul referenced in his thread:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/knowles/2403%20260%2000091/423-1201-ND/4376275

I am very impressed with their performance. They are also the least expensive sugar cube speakers that I have found.

I would suggest buying a bunch now since they are being discontinued and the recommended replacements are more than twice the price.

MBKlein has similar speakers for $2.59. I'm not sure how shipping costs compare in the US but here in Canada Digi-Key has by far the lowest shipping rates.

I'll also repeat Paul's suggestion to study the Streamlined Backshop notes on using sugar cube speakers. Getting the enclosures right is essential.

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/sugarcubespeakernotes.html

http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/wiringmultispeakers.html

Dave

[dstephenson]

I recommend TDC supersonics with extended enclosures wired in series, Darryl

[woodone]

this is an 6 ohm speaker- not too sure how well it really works with deocoders that use an 8 ohm load for autio output.

[jrbernier]

  The 6 ohm will be louder, drawing more current.  Just turn the volume down.  I have used 8 ohm speakers the Digitrax 16 ohm decoders - as long as the wattage is not exceeded, you good to go.  I have used the sugarcube speakers/enclosures from scale back shops with several sound decoders - Great results!

[dstephenson]

I have found that speakers (regardless of output ratings) work best with enclosures, (if fitted in the engine shell correctly). The sound is not only loud but also clear & deep.With a multitude of bell and horn features together with prime mover engine notching encloure components are definitely worth it when installling TCS WOW decoders.Darryl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darryl

[hon30critter]

I make my own enclosures from .040" styrene. They work great.

I also glue the enclosure firmly to the shell, not the speaker. Sounds strange but it works.

Dave

[RDG1519]

I use the mini and micro Sugar Cube speakers from Tony's. I am using LokSound Select, Select Micro, and Soundtrax Tsunami and have great results with these speakers.

So much so that I am thinking of retrofiting my older sound jobs with these decoders and speakers.

Unless a new loco comes with a LokSound or Soundtrax I will buy the non sound version and upgrade it myself using the Sugar Cube speakers.

Chris