I you all want a universal way of installing a sophisticated decoder with sound socket, I will go with Digitrax SoundFX decoders, a good example is a Digitrax Dh165AO board decoder. It’s intimidating when the decoders state that there build for Athearn locomotives, however you can put them in any locomotive as long as the will fit, then use a double sided tape to hold the decoder in place.
First off, the DH165A0 is NOT a sound decoder, nor is it in the SoundFX family of decoders. The DH165xx series of decoders have a plug for the SoundBug, but they are just normal decoders without it.
Yes, you are correct, the DH165A0 will fit into a number of locomotives, but there are many, easier ways to install DCC and sound into locomotives. Typically a DZ123P, DH123D, DH123PS or equivilant will make for a much easier and quicker installation. For most cases, there is no reason to remove the stock light board.
In terms of sound, the Digitrax SFX chips are a good solution, but not the best solution in most cases. The Quantum Revolution-U (u is for universal) will be a plug and play high-fidelity solution. It comes with a 8 and 9 pin interfaces for 90% of the applications out there.
On a side note, I find your posts very difficult to understand and I have to re-read them 2 or 3 times to make sure I truely understand what you are trying to get across. I feel if you spend a bit more time in putting your ideas together in a logical manner, you will get more positive responses.
David B