Soundtraxx Decoders

Anyone here have experience with Soundtraxx decoders? I'm curious as to how nice they sound when compared to the latest sound decoder equpped offerings that Atlas and BLI.

 

I've been using Soundtraxx DSX sound only decoders for 5+ years. They sound great and give a wide variety of sound options.

Stay cool and run steam.....

[ August 23, 2005, 02:54 PM: Message edited by: Powersteamguy1790 ]

 

Great! That'll be a factor in determining which brand of locomotive I purchase next.

 

Soundtraxx has a large number of DSX Sound only decoders for either diesel or steam loco's.

You can go to their website and listen to each sound sample. There are many to choose from.

Soundtraxx Website


Stay cool and run steam.....

 

Chris, you might be wise to hold off until Soundtrax releases their Tsunami sound board. It's in final testing and evaluation, after years of development. Its arrival is greatly anticipated, and it will very likely set a new standard for onboard sound!

 

What's the Tsunami Sound Board? I looked on their site and didn't see anything about it.. ??

Mike C
Phoenix Az

 

same here

 

The Tsunami sound system has been in devlopment for quite some time. It should be available by the end of the year according to some sources.


Stay cool and run steam.....

 

It sounds fantastic. In addition to new sounds, higher fidelity and simply better sounding sounds overall, it adds such things as a circuit designed for LED lighting, to make LED's look a little more realistic.

Here's an initial review of the beta-test Tsunami chip. Sounds great to me!

 

Looks like it'll be worth the wait. I hope they offer a broad range of diesel and horn combinations. I better start saving money now!

 

I have only one (thank goodness) Soundtraxx decoder. The sound is the worst of all the engines. I have Digtraix, Atlas and BLI Quantaum. All are better than Soundtraxx. In fact the first one in the loco went bad and they would not return the money. I will not have another Soundraxx.

 

2traxx:

The DSD Soundtraxx decoders are horrible.The motor functions are awful and the sound isn't much better.

The DSX sound only Soundtraxx decoders are excellent.

Stay cool and run steam......

 

I have four Soundtrax decoders. 2 DSX and 2 DSD. I have found that track cleanliness is important for continual operation. The soundtrax decoders tend to stop or studder at a dirty spot. You can help reduce this problem with the DSX by installing a capacitor on the DSX. The entire process is explained on the tech notes on the SOundtrax website. Major differance in operation with the cap installed. The larger the capacitor the better it is. So depending on how much room you have get the largerst you can fit. I put in a 47 uf and from what I have read you can put in up to a 2200uf (large but excellant results). I put a DSD in a P2K GP-9 with a 1 1/2 inch oval speaker and it sounds better than my qsi store bought GP-9. I like the Soundtrax decoders particularly now that most everyone has them on sale. However I can't wait to see what the Tsunami can do.
Terry

 

You should use a capacitor on all Soundtraxx DSX decoder installations.


Stay cool and run steam.....

 

Uhhhh - ohh. I have 2 DSD steam decoders on order and expected next week sometime.

Dang.

 

Kitbash:

I would definitely exchange those decoders. The motor function operation of the Soundtraxx DSD decoder is pitiful.

If you want both motor and sound, buy a Lenz or Digitraxx decoder for motor functions and a Soundtraxx DSX sound only decoder for sound.

I've tried the Soundtraxx DSD decoder and it was replaced immediately with decoders that are more reliable.

Stay cool and run steam....

 

Well. I called today and changed my order. Instead of ordering two DSD's, I ordered one. Just to see what it is about. I changed the other to a LokSound. I also ordered a little larger speaker.

I have one LL PK2 C&O GP7 w/ the QuantamSound that I love. If I don't like the two steam decoders I ordered, I will swap 'em out.

I will also pick up some Tsunami's when they come out. As well as DigiTraxx when they become available for the engine types I have. Right now, I just want to get the process started in converting my fleet over to sound.

Now that I have an engine w/ sound.. all the other engines seem dull to me. I knew this would happen when I converted to DCC 3 years ago.

Let's just say.. it is a VERY happy problem.

Thanks for the input. It is appreciated.

 

Kitbash:

That sounds good to me.

I've been using sound on the JJJ&E for almost six years.

Stay cool and run steam...

 

Kitbash - Don't worry! I have two DSD and two DSX decoders already installed and am in the process of installing one more DSD and two more DSX's. They are in my expierience great decoders. I put a DSD in a GP-9 and it sounds better than my QSI equipped GP-9 particularly the horn. You do have to keep your track clean but for the price you can't beat it. Just wait and make up your own mind. I don't think you will be dissapointed.
Terry