Yes, any of the well known dealers definitely will install your choice of file before shipping the decoder - Modeltrainstuff, Yankee Dabbler, Litchfield, Tony's, etc. You only need the Lokprogrammer if you want to buy blank decoders and download the sound files right from ESU. All other CVs can be programmed the same as any decoder, though it IS a lot faster with the Lokprogrammer, somply because it reads and writes the CVs using the same proprietary method used to download the sound files.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Generally you can order it directly from a vendor and they will program the specific sound files that you want for your loco. Just make sure there's a drop-down option at the time you order it online, or ask if you are ordering it by phone. (Otherwise you'll get a blank decoder) The ESU website lists the various sound files on their website. Be sure you have the correct 5-digit sound file number before ordering.
Should you decide you'd rather install the sound files to your Loksound decoder yourself, or experiment with different sound files to see which one you like better, you'll need the LokProgrammer to do that.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
If one decided to install one of their decoders can they be ordered with the required sounds installed by the supplier or is it necessary for the end user to purchase the programmer?