21pin DCC sound decoder comparison

Comparing four 21pin sound decoders, TCS WOWSteam, Digitrax, Soundtraxx Tsunami steam 2 and ESU V5. This video includes a NixTrainz Decoder Buddy to show it's versatility. Also included are three Scale Sound Systems speakers.

[@michaelmcdougall4527]

To my ears ESU LOK sound Wins also I still like my old QSI SOUND DECODERS! Thanks for all you do for the Hobby!

[@dennisbailey6067]

The original Qsi still works well,in DC and DCC.

[@markgoodrich941]

Good job. Nice to hear an unbiased test of different decoders. I have my favorite.

[@nicksanto882]

Wow, Larry!!! Thanks for the comparison of the decoders! That would be a hard choice for me! The easy part would be the Scale Sound System speakers and the Decoder Buddy. Makes me think that I’ll have to get a steam engine and make up an “excursion train” sometime soon! Thanks again for another great video!

[@michaelramsey82]

Timestamps for direct comparison: 1:35 TCS WowSound 4:13 Digitrax SoundFX 6:36 SoundTraxx Tsunami 8:42 ESU LokSound 11:48 LokSound with tender shell on

[@jeffreylapointe2061]

Learned alot from this video. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@GTgyro]

Very helpful, thank you! I like a bit of echo on my sounds, without that they seem a bit flat.

[@notapro968]

Brilliant video thanks so much

[@paulpietrowski1940]

Always look forward towards your videos

[@SoloContracting]

Thanks for watching

[@spacecalander]

After using so many loksound decoders i found it hard to operate the TCS for diesels anyway, maybe different for steam.

[@HorstKlemmer]

I go with the ESU

[@jamesdenny4734]

I've learned some things.

[@robertrusso6539]

Thank you for another great video. Watching all of your videos, I had to ask, where did you get the static treadmill to test the products? It works great and looks great also. I did purchase something, however nothing near as nice as this. Again thanks for all of your instructive videos!

[@SoloContracting]

They are made by a company called Bachrus. They are out of business now. You can find them on Ebay sometimes. Thanks for watching.

[@robertrusso6539]

@@SoloContracting Thank you so much for getting back to me. Enjoy our videos very much and they have taught me much!!

[@eXtremeFX2010]

Oh my Goodness! That ESU sound was awesome! Have you done a video on converting a DC Steamer to DCC Decoder Buddy 21 pin Steamer Sound Locomotive? And please forgive me if this is what that is. I just can't remember. One of my goals is convert a DC Steamer to DCC Steamer plus sound. Do you have such step by step video?

[@SoloContracting]

The ones I have done have been DCC ready. This one had the Paragon sound system in it.

[@jimsrenaski7118]

So.... you mentioned that the customer likes the ESU decoder and you said a labored chuff could be accomplished by pushing the "9" key. My preference would be the labored chuff to be automatic using the Tsunami 2 decoder with the dynamic exhaust enabled and programmed.

[@SoloContracting]

The dynamic exhaust from Soundtraxx is a great feature.

[@dennisbailey6067]

The F5 and 6 increase chuff or coast on soundtraxx.DDE is a winner.

[@Trainmaster909]

ESU also increases automatically.

[@gwmccoy]

Larry, were you planning on releasing the full installation video for the Rutland Pacific? I'm very interested in your method of installing the Boiler Barker. I'm getting ready to install one in an Athearn Genesis 2-8-2. I always enjoy your videos, especially the long ones! I learn a lot! Thanks!

[@SoloContracting]

Thanks for watching Wayne. I do have a full install video coming.

[@nicksanto882]

Yea!!!

[@LolkeB]

Great comparison. What tool did you use to remove the 21 pin decoders?

[@SoloContracting]

Liyafy PLCC IC Chip Extractor Motherboard Circuit Board Component Puller and U Shape IC Chip Extractor Puller ROM Extraction Tool Kit a.co/fsfYXyj

[@chadgeissler4544]

The Loksound sounds fantastic. Do you have a video showing how you wired the boiler speaker?

[@SoloContracting]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIabhWhrltZpis0si=Pou5H55RTH0PQUvu

[@tayloryard4152]

What roller wheel device are you using and I guess Scale Sound Speakers are pretty much the best is there a table that you use to pick the correct size and do you usually install 2 in a diesel and 2 in a Steam engine? Thanks

[@SoloContracting]

These are Bachrus roller stands. Check Scale Sound Systems web page for your particular locomotive. I try to put in as many speakers as possible.

[@KentMcBee]

Greetings, thanks for the video. Where can I find that rolling test stand?

[@SoloContracting]

They are made by a company called Bachrus. However they are out of business. You can still find them on Ebay.

[@spacecalander]

Is there a difference in the mini and the tiny? i have seen both. Thanks

[@SoloContracting]

They are both the same.

[@phil36310]

Sound wise I prefer the TCS WowSteam out of the box. But this test doesn't go deeper into sound settings that's possible on the Soundtraxx for example. For that reason this is not a reference test although I appreciate the basic idea. Success !

[@dennisbailey6067]

The Equaliser brings out the quality.Many don't realize this feature.

[@Trainmaster909]

@@dennisbailey6067You can equalize all you want, it will never sound as good or natural as ESU.

[@Trainmaster909]

So did SoundTraxx get their chuff and bell sounds from a $20 Walmart toy? Doesn’t sound good or realistic at all.