I’m looking at buying a powered set of Athearn “F” units with DCC/Sound. Most of what I’ve read was that their MRC decoders were, well, less than satisfactory. Can anyone recommend a dual-purpose sound decoder? I’m still in the stone age using DC, but, I’m happy with that.
Athearn read the same thing. They have ended their association with MRC and are now putting Soundtraxx decoders in their Genesis line. Make sure that the engines you get aren’t from old stock and you should have good decoders. I think they are dual-mode, but I can’t be sure.
I have 3 Soundtraxx decoders in various engines (2 diesel, 1 steam) and they are very nice.
I own older Athearn Genesis F Units that came w/ MRC DCC sound and newer ones w/ SoundtraxTsunami DCC sound. AFAIC the Soundtrax equipped units are better by a long shot. I’m plan to eventually replace the MRC stuff w/ Tsunami.
Thanks for the info!
I checked and they are MRC decoders. How much is involved in replacing them with newer decoders. Or, should I ask this in the DCC forum?
One fellow in our club has three locos with the MRC sound and has no issues but your mileage may vary.
Below is a link to SoundTraxx site. Many remove the MRC decoder and use the speakers which are ok.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/choose/step3.php?t=ho&s=Athearn
Litchfield Station has free shipping over $75.00.
Rich