I am in the process of building a new N scale layout and I wanted to add some sound to it. I know MRC has the decoders you can drop into engines, but the engines I have currently are not supported. I was wondering if anybody is using the MRC Symphony 77 and if so what do you think about it?
Thanks
I look forward to replies to your query as I too am looking for a way to get sound on my DC layout and am looking at the Symphony 77.
Surely there are more folks on this forum than just DCC fans. (Statistically they do not represent the majority of our hobby yet, though admittedly it is the wave of the future), and while that in itself may get a response, I’d rather hear about your query, its your post after all.
I expect to the purest, I am a toy train enthusiast, not a modeler, I will admit, my layout is far from prototypical in the whole, but is pretty accurate in some segments. But then my layout is an attempt to get my six year old interested in the hobby, (so I can justify my interest in the hobby I expect).
enough of that, anybody got comments on the Symphony?
Roypea
'n HO/DC, modeling my life, thus a layout that has F7’s and GP38-2, 1950ish MG and 1965 Mustang and a 1950 something Nash Metropolitan a 1991 BMW and a 2001 (all representing birth years of the family, we’re pretty spread out). From sking in the Rockies to hurricane relief in Hattisburg in Sept. 2005 and Moss Point MS in July 2006, pretty much things in my life to date but not prototypical in a 9x4 layout. And making no apologies.
This is really a great hobby. Sorry for the tirade, but sometimes the dedicated enthusiasts forget about the plain enthusiasts and I see it here from time to time. Dedication to the art has it place, make no mistake, but the question sets the tone.
thanks adn soory 'bout that.
I did a forum seach on Symphony 77 and while it is discussed a little on this forum, the discussion quickly moved to the benefits of DCC Sound Systems. I am not going to be going to DCC anytime soon (unless I win the Lottery and become good friends with an electronics wizard who will install all them decoders).
GCRI did anyone really answer your question: "I was wondering if anybody is using the MRC Symphony 77 and if so what do you think about it? - or did you buy a sound system - if so, how did that work out for you?
I’m looking at getting this system with a Christmas gift certificate and would love to hear from somebody who is actually using it? I did hear from one modeller who had heard it in a Hobby Shop - he said we wanted to buy it after hearing it. Someone out there must be using this product?
I ended up getting one from my LHS, and its okay. It works well for my 6 year old and has a number of different sounds. DCC it ain’t, but for my needs its adequate. I’m finishing up a small layout in HO/DC so I understand your issues.
Enjoy.
Roypea
PS after I said something about purest, vs. enthusiasts, well that pretty much shut down my thread.
Rp
Sorry I did not reply earlier, I just now got a chance to check the boards. No, I never got a response, but I am glad you could share with your experience. I added an MRC sound chip to my KATO EMD E8 (N scale), but to be honest about the only thing I like about it is the horn. Until a better sound system can come along I will let that be my only sound decoder loco, of course in N scale I don’t have much of a choice.
Hi gcri,
I have the symphony 77 on my layout and it works great for me. The sounds are realistic and I also added 2 more speakers to it mounted under the layout. It’ll knock your socks off. Problem is I’m almost completely deaf and would have a extremely hard time hearing sound coming from one of my locos. With the 77, I can at least hear it pretty well. It offers several options for diesel or steam including several different horn and whistle sounds you can select.
Have fun!
Paul
I just received my 2 BLI Hybrid I-5s and I haven’t had the courage to take them out of the box yet.
They are shown as DC/DCC w/Sound. Is this what I need to make them operative in DC operation?
How I do add the under table speakers?
I recieved the 77 for Christmas and I am pleased with the product , I have a DC N scale layout … I believe this is a great system for DC layouts , If or when I make the jump to DCC I may have a different opinion…
Pat