Large Scale Central

Dallee Sound

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Well, it looks like QSI is probably not releasing the new Titan sound cards anytime soon. I don’t think I can do another season with silent trains. So, I’ve been giving some thought to Dallee. I realize that Dallee isn’t anywhere near the sound quality of the Phoenix system, but the price for Phoenix is a bit high for the amount of engines I need to do. I’ve heard a few youtube samples of Dallee and their diesels sound pretty good. Not so much for steam (my Mikado will have to remain mute!). So- who’s using Dallee? What are your thoughts- good or bad. I’m running track power and looking to put sound in FA, RS3, U25B, and SD45 but any info would be helpful (and audio/video samples would be great! Dallee has none on their site). ECLSTS is only 2 weeks away. Dallee will be there. I will be there. With $$$$$ I think you know where this is going…

-Kevin.

#2

I will have two Dallee sound units running on our modular layout if you want to stop by to hear them at ECLSTS. I bought two different horn styles, I am happy with one of them not so happy with the other. I have them installed in an FAB set up. Stop over at the Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society modules and I will let you hear them. For the price they are not bad. You could always buy one phoenix and put it in a trailing car.

#3

Nico- Thanks for the info. I will stop by and check them out. I’ll be at ECLSTS on Friday. I thought about the trailing car idea, but I’ve got 3 loops of track running, so I figured why not just go all out and put sound in all engines (Mrs. Diesel thought it was a good idea too- Strike while the iron is hot!!). Thanks again and I’ll see you next Friday.

-Kevin.

#4

So, I’m guessing by the lack of responses that maybe there aren’t a whole lot of Dallee fans out there?

-Kevin.

#5

Kevin,
Post your opinion after you hear Nico’s at York.
I need a cheap sound option myself. I just can’t bring myself to spend $200 on a sound card for an engine I’ve spent $100 on.
Ralph

#6

I have a dallee in the k27, and its “ok”, but I want to upgrade to a Phoenix

#7

Ralph- My thoughts exactly. The sound cards can get pretty expensive. I’m just looking to trigger some decent sounds at a moderate volume. Mostly for ambiance. I’ll let you know about Nico’s after the ECLSTS.

-Kevin.

#8

Dallee is sort of ok for diesel, as has been said. For steam, not so much. The Dallee chuff circuit sometimes has trouble keeping up with regular triggers and will skip a chuff or two. This sounds worse than no sound at all.
What you folks really need to do is keep watch for older Phoenix type 97 boards. The type 97 preceded the 2k2. Since the 2k2 and later designs are DCC compatible, these rarely come up for sale used, however, the 97 was NOT DCC ready, so they get removed regularly in order to allow sound control upgrade to Airwire or DCC type control. In the last year I had probably 8 or 9 type 97 for sale on my web site. if they did not go , then they went to ebay. Sold 2 or three recently, prices for USED 12 year old but perfectly working Phoenix 97 were about 110 - 150, depending on what came with it, such as big boost module, etc. Also have had quite a few Sierra Soundtraxx units go for sale too. The major drawback is you cannot change the sound of Sierra or type 97 Phoenix. Phoenix used to still support this board with replacement chips with alternate sound files, but no more.
jonathan www.rctrains.com

#9

Jonathan- Fantastic information. Thanks for posting. Do you have any old Phoenix boards currently?

-Kevin.

#10

Well I was thinking of one for my Climax if they make any for them. I was going to check at the ECLSS

#11

Personally, I view the sound of the loco more important than the build and running quality of the loco. I know its hard to pay more for the sound board than you did the loco, but I think it is well worth it. Phoenix for me !

Since I am battery power only, and supply my own R/C controllers, I have no interest in QSI, nor have I ever even heard one, nor do I even know anyone that owns one. And given the lousy marketing approach of promises and no delivery, why would I be interested?

#12

Okay, so here’s the review you’ve all been waiting for. Drum roll, please (only Nico and I will understand the drum roll thing)… Anyway, I stopped by and checked out Nico’s Dallee sound cards on the FA and B. I think that they sounded pretty good for diesel and, as Nico stated one horn definitely sounded better than the other. The better horn was the single chime Leslie A200. I ended up buying a Dallee card for my FA. I also bought another new/ old stock FA from a vendor next to Dallee. Coincidence??? Maybe. If your looking for some descent, inexpensive diesel sounds- this might be a good choice. I’m only looking for ambient engine sounds and an occasional triggered horn or two. If you want steam sounds or more bells and whistles, I think you want Phoenix. I also purchased a Phoenix card for my Mikado. Dallee steam- not so good. BTW- Nico is one of the nicest guys on the planet. I really appreciated the time he spent explaining things to me and also for giving me the number to the ‘installation help line.’ I’ll definitely be calling for help! He also did some great custom paint work on his FA and B. Thanks again, Nico.

-Kevin.

#13

So you had a good time then?

#14

David- More like an incredible time!!! Wish I’d met more people from LSC. Maybe next year.

-Kevin.

#15

You’ll meet a few of them if you just go to the alcove in the layout room with the timesaver.

#16

Dave- Thanks for the tip. I’ll stop by next time.

-Kevin.

#17

Kinda like mosquiitos theres millions of them.

#18

Kevin
I run the Dallee sound in my three RDC’s
Sounds good with the three running as a pack!
Sean

#19

Sean- Thanks for the info.

-Kevin.

#20

Kevin,
Did you get any sound systems installed yet?

Nico