I have already installed a Tsunami sound decoder in an IHC 4-8-2 and am about to install a MRC Brilliance decoder in an IHC 4-10-2. What do people think of the two decoders. Has anybody else tried both personally. Why do MRC supply their decoders with the speaker apparently the wrong way around in the sound case
While I don’t own either one, I’ve played with both of them at my club. The Tsumani is great stuff, and is probably the best sounding steam engine effects I’ve heard to date…yes, even over QSI (which is still very good). Usually, it depends on the installation of the speaker, but some in my club have actually installed a Tsunami in a sound-ready loco and the effects are worth it.
Now, the MRC decoders are pure problems for us. We’re running Digitrax, and out of the 9 different MRC sound equipped locos that I have personally tried to program for someone else, only one actually took (and no, I don’t know why). And on this one loco (an Athearn SD45), the sounds were cheap and of low quality. The air release sounded like white noise/static, the bell sounded like one of those electronic grade crossing bells, and so on.
IMHO, stay away from MRC sound decoders.
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
I have several of the Tsunami’s and two of the MRC Brillance decoders also in the new Big Boy that just came out. The new MRC is an improvement over the first release, but has many programming hitches.
If you want loud volume, the MRC is your ticket. If you want sound that is realistic, you will want the Tsunami. There is no comparsion in the DCC drive for the motor. The MRC does strange things and will move on its own occasionally and is lacking very slow running. The Tsunami has very good motor control and can be programmed very easy.
The Tsunami has so many options including rod clank when coasting, and it has the best steam sound that is available today. The volume on the steamboat whistle is not as high as I would prefer, but it is the best there is today.
By the way, is the IHC 4-10-2 you mentioned something new??
I have three Tsunamis and one MRC. I am waiting on a replacement Tsunami for the MRC. The MRC’s suck compared to the Tsunami. If you baffle and seal the speaker right, the Tsunami blows away the MRC. As far as I’m concerned, it blows it away anyway.