Opinions on N scale Locomotives with factory sound

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I recently bought a Kato SDP40F with factory installed ESU LokSound decoder. Basically the sound was very anemic. I had to have my ear right next to the Loco to hear anything. I tried setting the CVs for increasing the volume to the max but it really didn’t help. Since ESU makes decent sound decoders, I believe the issue is with a pitiful speaker being installed by Kato. I tried ordering another Loco just incase I happened to get a Lemon and it arrived DOA.

So to make a long story short I am now looking to send these Locos back and find a decent one that works with adequate sound.

What have others experiences been with Athearn, Atlas, Kato on factory installed sound. I am thinking of going with Kato steam engine, figuring that Kato would probably use a better speaker with more room in the tender for speaker placement.

However, after being burned by Kato twice, I am a bit worried that the sound voume will be poor again. Athearn and Atlas have some nice Locos with sound from factory. But I have heard that movement on the Athearn and Atlas aren’t as good as Kato.

Opinions?

2

What CV did you set to increase the volume? Was it the one for the master volume (CV63)? Also, do you know which Loksound decoder is in that particular locomotive?

[Edit: I found a spec sheet for it on the Kato website. It’s a Loksound Select]

Tom

3

Yes, I set CV 63 to the maximum specified. I think it was 192. I also set all the individual sound CVs to maximum. Still couldn’t hear anything unless I was right next to thr Locomotive. When operating the train, the motor noise was loud enough, even though it was fairly quiet, to completely hide any bell, whistle or diesel engine sound. Kato seems to have equiped these Locos with inadequate speakers because the sound is pitiful.

It makes me worried that maybe they did the same thing with their steam engines even though they should have a lot more room in the tender for decent speaker.

Anyone have any opinions on the best sounding N scale locomotive manufacturer who takes the time to properly match decent sound decoders with good speakers?