I have been doing a lot of speaker research for DCC installs. I'm trying to balance between cost and quality. So far my go to has been TCS High Bass speakers. For around 17 dollars they give me good quality sound. I have also seen 1" 2w speakers on ebay for less than a dollar per. I would say those are the cheapest I have seen, though yet to try them. I'm sure they sound similar to the ones Soundtraxx sells. And then there's SSS. Are they noticeably better for steam locomotives than standard options from China and Decoder manufacturers? I'm not really an audiophile; I am just a casual. Will I notice a difference? I know some people rave for them but others still use the cheap 1" speakers. I appreciate any input from the community.
In one word, Braden - yes!
I generally turn my master volume down by 50%. Even at that level, SSS speakers emit more sound than other speakers do a higher volumes.
JTs prices are very reasonable. Give one a try and see whether you like it or not.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi Braden,
I've been using Scale Sound Systems speakers in my F-unit fleet for the past several years. Compared to ANY other speaker I have installed, the SSS ones are noticeably better. Since JT is a sound engineer, he knows how to design the baffle to maximize sound and sound quality. The units fit perfectly in the locos they are intended for. Also, the choice of sugar cube speaker is based upon testing and evaluation. Sound quality counts. Not only can I hear the difference, my operators tell me what great sound the locos have.
Greg
Greg Shindledecker Modeling the =WM= Thomas Sub in the mid-70s
JT is also a MRRer so he has a personal interest in the quality, as well.
Yep. No hype. The difference is real.