I have a Kato F40PH which is a great running loco in DC. I want to add a DCC decoder with sound for this loco. Digitrax has one, part no SDH164K1C which includes the speaker.
I also like Soundtraxx which has a decoder, STX-828064, but does not include a speaker. What would you recommend for a speaker for this decoder?
I’ve heard that the Digitrax unit is good, but is the Soundtraxx one better?
Thanks for your inputs.
Al
Kato’s HO SD-38, AC-4400CW and F40PH all have a built-in enclosure for a 1" speaker, so any 1" round speaker would work OK.
The Tsunami decoder has more options and is probably overall a better sound decoder than the Digitrax, but I have two Kato engines with Digitrax sound decoders and am happy with them. If you have a PR3 or something similar hooked up to a programming track and a computer, you can download your own sounds to the Digitrax decoder too…and if you shop around, they cost a lot less than the Tsunami.
Yes, soundtraxx is “the name” when it comes to sound. Digitrax is “OK” (not terrible, but not the best).
Based on the spec sheet, the Tsunami is set with a 1w, 8ohm load capacity amplifier. so, anything that you can fit in the shell that’s 8ohm should work fine.
I put a Soundtraxx and 1.22High Bass speaker in mine. I am also adding a secondary function controller for the various lights. The high bass really helps get the low range out. Keeping it enclosed with a decent sized enclosure helps a lot.
Richard
Thanks guys! Soundtraxx IS probably the better choice.
-Al
I would check out:
Modeling the sounds of passenger diesels
By Bob Kingsnorth
Simulating the sound of Amtrak head-end power
in the June 2012 Model Railroader. He talks about the different sound decoders available for Amtrak models.