Does any know the best sounding sound system(s) for a DC model railroad?
Thanks
If you want to enjoy the sound, don’t use DC control. There is no standard for DC control of sound the way there is for DCC or other proprietary control systems. Most DCC sound decoders will operate on DC but control of the audio is very limited. And the sound decoder takes 6-7 volts just to turn itself on and operate, leaving only a range of 5 variable volts for motor control. Finally, many forms of DC pulses cannot be separated from DCC control signals causing decoder confusion and improper operation on the more aggressive DC pulse control systems.
Room for high fidelity speakers doesn’t exist in HO and smaller scale locomotives, which causes poor bass output from the speakers. If using DC control, use a completely separate control system for the sound. Use under the table speakers for more satisfying sound. MRC once offered such a system.
Because of all these issues, there are no longer any commercial on-board sound systems compatible with conventional DC throttles (other than the as-discussed DCC decoders operated in DC mode) being made. If you want a commercial, off-the-shelf, compatible sound and control system, DCC is the ticket. DCC sound and control is a pretty mature technology at this point. There are also proprietary commercial systems with sound, but all of these combine control with sound, too.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
Fred has covered this question completely, if you want onboard sound in HO or N scale, go DCC. Even if you only plan to run one train at a time or have a small layout, you need DCC for good control of sound and its features.
I still run DC, I’m not interested in sound, at least not in onboard sound.
I am considering experimenting with some sort of layout based sound, but for me there are a number of issues about sound that I am not happy with in the small scales.
It is generally too loud and of very poor fidelity. Also, in my case, with a multi deck layout, sound from one level is in conflict with the other level nearby.
And, I have personal issues with noisey invironments - quiet is good.
Sheldon
As a option
MRC’s Tech 6 will operated a DCC/Sound equipped locomotive.
Add the handheld throttle you can operate up to six decoder equipped locomotives.This set up can be had for around $120-125.00 if one shops around.You can use all CV settings as well.
The Tech 6 (without the hand held throttle) gives the modeler a option of operating a DCC/sound locomotive or by pushing the mode button a single DC engine.
IMHO the Tech 6 is the best of both worlds if one doesn’t want to invest in a DCC system just for sound…
Larry, True and agreed, but the Tech 6 really is a DCC system, just a very basic one with a DC option built in.
Sheldon
It’s an interesting question.
The OP asks, what is the best sound system for a DC layout.
Any opinions on that?
Rich
Sheldon,I agree…Never thought it as a basic DCC system since MRC advertises the Tech 6 as a DC power pack…
http://www.modelrectifier.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=8266
But,add the handheld throttle you do indeed have a basic DCC system that’s superior to Bachmann’s basic E-Z DCC system…
I have several DC sound engines in steam and diesel. Broadway Limited , Atlas, Athearn, and Proto, The DC/Dcc systems are QSI, MRC, Blueline, and Paragon , Paragon II. They all work very well. I am happy with them all.
The MRC uses a handheld controller with remote. Not the best but OK.
For the QSI, Blueline, and Paragon systems you will have to add a sound controller to your exixting Power pack for the most sound and programing. Around $39.00 . I also think these have the best sound.
Bob
Bob, Respectfully, you must not do much switching/stoping/starting of your trains if you are happy with the performance of DCC dual mode sound decoders on DC operation.
The high starting voltages and poor starting/stopping control, as well as the sound cutting out at lower or no voltage is a complete non starter for me - if I wanted sound.
Sure, if you just start the train up and let them run, they are not bad. But many of us are involed in operating sessions.
Sheldon
When I picked up a couple of the first run Blackstone K-27 engines, I still operated with DC. The Tsunami decoders in them are dual mode. It was amazing to hear the sounds they could make. So I’d say you’ll be satisfied with them. Don’t have any experience with the others, but was very happy with the Tsunami performance on DC.
With the Tsunami, you have factory default values when new on DC. But take it to someone with a DCC programming track and you can set it up configured as you like it. Take it home and it will retain your custom settings on DC, so it’s nicely customizable even for DC.
AFAIK, all the other Tsunami variants can do DC the same way, so you can be as modern as you want. No need to do narrowgauge, although we always welcome new adherents to The Dark Side[swg]
BRIANMARIE,
You might find this interesting,‘‘Adding backround sound to your layout’’, by Kathy Millatt,It’s in the , Jan.2012 issue of MR…
Cheers,
Frank
,
Although I now operate DCC sound Equiped locos in DCC I kept my MRC Symphony 77 sound system to use for supplemental sounds. Mainly I just leave it on during op sessions because it occured to me that even a non moving layout with the locos off should have some background noise just as in real life. And it has a few sounds like a conductor yelling All Aboard that none of my locos have.
All of these responders are obviously “new school” DCC lovers. The point is MANY people either already have a really decent DC system and don’t want the misery of trying to modify existing good KATO and Atlas engines plus added “mucho” expense so a simple series of straight answers from a 20 year n scaler is this…If you can find a older one…my CMI “Sounder Station” still works perfectly, is synchronous adjustable to steam & diesel and has all the sounds stand alone in it. It didn’t cost and arm and a leg and required no layout or engine modifications at all. On the newly released technology side…Kato just released a nice “Sound Box” item #22-101-1 for a complete DC sound system advertised on the inside of the last page of April 2015 Model Railroader Magazine that I subscribe to.
Paul, respectfully I would ask why you thought it necessary to respond to a two year old thread?
Secondly, all of us who responded two years ago are not “new school DCC lovers”, in fact several of us, myself included, are still DC users - we just understand the technical and practical aspects of model train sound.
The CMI sounder station is an obscure product that had very minimal success while on the market. Its limitations do not fit the desires of most modelers today who are intersted in sound.
Tha Kato sound box has similar limitations, but I agree there is a market for such systems, and my only interest in sound for scales HO and smaller would be layout based sound, not onboard sound. But layout based sound has not really caught on, despite the opportunity for better sound quality.
Personally I’m with you, I have no interest in installing decoders, sound or otherwise, in my fleet of 130 locos.
But good comprehensive layout based sound in DC is still largely a “roll your own” proposition