Who makes a great sound unit at a great price? I am looking to install a sound unit in my EBT Bachmann 4-6-0. I have never installed sound in any of my locos so this will be a first…
Thanks
If you are looking to get improved sound with the least cost, stick with the Bachmann existing sound chuff, and add an ITT sound module to the tender for whistle and bell. The bell and whistle can easily be activated by track magnets and reed switches. Otherwise, Sierra, LGB6500x, and Pheonix make great sound units for more $$$.
JimC.
Thanks for the reply! i will look more into
Thanks
While LGB does make great sound units for their engines, the 6500x are not programmable like the pheonix and LGB does not have the preprogrammed selections either Sierra or Pheonix markets.
As to price, Pheonix comes with everything needed for the installation, others have add-ons that must be purchased separately .
i thought that sierra soundtraxx also came with everything. Am i wrong?
-keith
By everything, what is meant??
The Sierra does come with a speaker and for steam the magnets and reed sensor for chuff.
The phoenix has additional components such as reed switches for track magnets for sound activation, with the sierra you must purchase these separately. LGB sensors must be purchas3ed separately including the capacitor bank(simulates a battery).
When all the costs are added up for analog track power, prices are not much different between the different units.
I agree with pierceden said, LGB series sound units are very good but they have their limitations. The exact prototypical ones designed for a particular unit like my Blue Corocodile are in a world of their own. However they do have their limtations.
Ive been given to understand that compared to Phoenix and LGB Sierra are rubbish, but i have no expoerience of these units so please don’t quote me.
However have a visit to Phoenix’s web site, just magic.
I had an LGB track cleaning loco fitted with a Phoenix sound sytem and i now have one fitted with an LGB unit and the Phoenix one was much better. However it did not keep working properly as it wasn’t installed properly.
Rgds Ian
I have two Sierra sound systems: A steam unit in a Pacific, and a diesel unit in a F3. I am extremely pleased with the steam unit. I am a little less pleased [but still satisfied] with the F3 unit.
Additionally, I have an LGB factory unit in a Mikado [great!], an older Aristo unit in a steam tender [no bell] that is used with several smaller locos, an ITT bell/horn unit, an old CMI steam unit, and CMI diesel unit. [better than no sound].
Jim C.
Has anyone visited Phoenix’ web site and listened to the sound, very good mate.
rgds ian
Has anyone here tried the sound units from Small Scale Railway Company? The sound samples provided on their website are great, and they seem like a good choice for those who want realistic sound but can’t afford a fully controllable type system.
Hey Piercedan you have taken my spot as the member closest to the equator. I am at 26 deg south and i think you are at about 12 degrees north so iguess you are a lot closer than me.
Brian i think is the fartherest
Rgds ian.