BLI Switcher or Stewart, etc Switcher with Soundtraxx LowCost Decoder?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I want to buy 2 small switchers with sound next week. Low speed performance is just as important, probably more important, than the sound. The detail of the model is less important to me at this point. These two switchers will be run all the time in my industrial complex.

How does Soundtraxx’s LowCost decoder rate with the QSI’s that are in BLI and others?

The Soundtraxx DSD150 is no longer available, right? Everyone is waiting for the Tsunami?

If I decided on the Stewart, or another small switcher that is recommended, I think I would have Tony’s install the decoder and speaker on at least one, if not both … they are so small.

Tony’s sells the LowCost decoder equipped Stewart S-8 for $259, while a BLI switcher is $154. (assembly line in China vs custom work by Tony, I guess).

Thanks for any thoughts.

Ken

2

Ken,
Read the Email fron BLI then you can go out and get a quality Stewart from someone that will stand behind it.
Bob K.

3

Whoa, tough crowd.

I have two BLI’s and like them both. I’d love to get a NW2 or SW7. The couple I have been nice and operated well.

4

Ken;

I concur with Bob’s recommendation. Stewart was purchased by Bowser recently, a company with a long history, and great support. Tony’s is also a great dealer.

5

[b]Sound ‘quality’ is directly dependent on the speaker size and the enclosure - which on a switcher won’t be much. At least with the Stewart, you get a 1st class drive plus SOTA DCC sound module that won’t take 5v. to work.

6

If you go with the Soundtraxx “low cost” decoder, (I’m assuming you mean an L or LC) the sound will be accurate but not as dynamic or pronouced as a QSI equipped unit.