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Post by rockisland652 on Apr 23, 2016 21:23:51 GMT -8
Supernami? Or is it SuperTsunami? Anyone know something I don't and wishes to share...?  |
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Post by rockisland652 on Apr 25, 2016 5:37:50 GMT -8
OK, no one has any concrete information.
An outfit called PBL works in S scale and mentions locomotive specific sounds.
I bet that means that the new ST sound decoder will have programming abilities.
All I know is that this thing exists and is out there...
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Post by mlehman on Apr 26, 2016 9:18:54 GMT -8
Tom,
Yeah, the PBL thing was basically where the info I noted in the other recent nextgen Tsunami discussion about a month ago that the new decoder would have the capability to upload sound files to came from.
Another note was that a major mfg would soon announce a loco with that decoder, which has been fulfilled by Athearn's subsequent announcement of their Challenger for Dec 2016 delivery.
Also noted was that Blackstone would have a similar announcement. That's something I observed some time ago because of the phrasing that the new K-36 would have "a DC/DCC SoundTraxx® Digital Sound Decoder" instead of just calling it a Tsunami. Nothing else solid on that yet, but it can't be too far off. The Econami was announced after the K-36 (and K-28) pages went up at Blackstone. I don't expect Blackstone to use other than the top of the line, so doubt that will be an Econami.
There was another bit of info that fits with the uploadable files feature, but not directly RR-related so will defer further comment there for now.
I suspect that the NMRA national train show is a likely venue for an unveiling, although it might be delayed until the National Narrow Gauge Convention. Stay tuned as good things are on their way from Soundtraxx.
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Post by ashpit on Apr 26, 2016 17:27:58 GMT -8
This all sounds like a great way to market a new product, leak just enough information that public has an inkling that something is in the wind; but, don't say anything more, let the public loose their imaginations on it,and away it goes. I hope no one's dreams are shattered when the actual product (if there truly is one) is bared for all to see! Don't get me wrong, it is exciting; but, there really isn't much we can do until what's going to happen, happens! I will be back to see,
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Post by rockisland652 on Apr 26, 2016 19:52:20 GMT -8
The new decoder is out there. It exists. Just sayin'.
I have an E8 that is waiting for one. You have all seen her, too.
C'mon, Soundtraxx...
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Post by mlehman on Apr 26, 2016 23:39:14 GMT -8
Mark,
It's in what's sometimes called beta testing. Having completed in-house testing, the first prototype decoders are farmed out to a select group of users to confirm operation and shake out any bugs before production for sales start. This also involves some of the end-users who will be installing them as OEM equipment, like PBL will apparently. The process tends to be rather hush-hush, because of several reasons. First, any failures aren't representative of the production versions, as whatever issues are uncovered in testing will be corrected. Second, why give the competition a leg up on what's coming soon?
Leaks are inevitable once the test decoders get to the testers, which is what occurred in this case. These are tolerable to a certain extent. Some might argue they're inevitable. But it's just part of the product development process.
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Post by ashpit on Apr 28, 2016 3:01:59 GMT -8
Mike, your post sounds reasonable. I should think a beta tester who can't keep his mouth shut, wouldn't be one for long, if it truly is to be Hush-Hush! In this case; however, the leak seems to have generated some excitement that certainly doesn't hurt Sound Traxx any.
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Post by riogrande on Apr 28, 2016 4:45:45 GMT -8
For people who's priority is to have the latest features, having some buzz that something may be coming might cause them to hold off buying - so in that respect it may not hurt ST. It really depends. The proof will be in the pudding, as they say. I will probably take a period of months after the new product hits the shelves before modelers start to form an opinion and how the new ST sound decoder stacks up against the competition.
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Post by mlehman on Apr 28, 2016 20:15:08 GMT -8
Generally, beta testers are right at the tipping point between product development and product marketing. Yes, part of the job starts at keeping things more or less confidential. By the time they're done, they are often expected to be opinion leaders, helping get the word out on the wonders of a new product.
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Post by ashpit on Apr 29, 2016 2:52:57 GMT -8
As a former business owner of 31 years, who retired from owning businesses in 2005, all these marketing strategies are out of my realm.
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Apr 29, 2016 17:01:33 GMT -8
Insert dead horse icon, nearly every product in our lives is improved upon from time to time and tested before it gets into general circulation. Here in MI we are used to seeing disguised and unidentified or camouflaged autos from different makers driving the roads hiding in plain sight. It's only logical that in order to satisfy the constant lust for something 'new and improved' . Good marketing builds, if it doesn't plant the seeds, on the rumors and speculation. iPhone anyone?
Of course Soundtraxx has something new with more features and improvements if they listen to their customers that will arrive on the scene sooner or later. I'd hope for their sake it's sooner than how they introduced the Tsunami to begin with. I would expect there to be pretty well tested before confirmation announcements occur.
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Post by tdspeedracer on May 1, 2016 7:07:02 GMT -8
Anyone having trouble pulling up the soundtraxx website this morning? I wanted to check some thing, but all I can get are cached pages.
If I'm not the only one, I'm guessing the formal announcement will be sooner than later?
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Post by mlehman on May 1, 2016 10:01:11 GMT -8
Seems OK here, now. They've got a big promotion going on the Econami that's new in the last few days, but nothing about the "nextgen Tsu" yet.
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Post by mlehman on May 19, 2016 2:26:11 GMT -8
Rumor is that the formal announcement of what's now being called the Tsu2 (whether that's accurate or not) is coming on May 25. There have been several leaks, but my source simply decided to hold off given the 25th is so close. Might be more out there to report...
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Post by Mark R. on May 20, 2016 6:48:25 GMT -8
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Post by mlehman on May 20, 2016 7:50:45 GMT -8
It's a very comprehensive list of features and will address many of what were seen as the deficiencies of the original Tsunami in today's marketplace. I note that the rumor of user-uploadable files was wrong, so it seems, but given the range of choices available this is unlikely to be an issue if the sound quality is there or one has to cover an obscure prototype.
One of the more important upgrades is the diesel now gets its own DDE effects.
Sounds like train line charging and steam gen operation, plus the expanded sounds from Fireman Fred and his newly hired buddies Ed and Omura will really let the user get involved in the details of realistic train ops.
The small form factor also means the diesel Tsu2 will make sound in my narrowgauge diesel fleet really practical.
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Post by rockisland652 on May 20, 2016 8:27:49 GMT -8
Mike is right. This thing is narrower than a dime, if the photos on TTE are the actual product.
I am, however, a fan of the solderable connection boards (AT, GN) so I hope that will follow soon after.
The initial unit is 1 amp. Isn't the Economi a 2 amp decoder?
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Post by mlehman on May 20, 2016 23:29:05 GMT -8
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Post by notabob on May 21, 2016 4:52:32 GMT -8
And STILL only 4 function outputs. What a waste of an opportunity to truly improve and offer a competitive offering. All they did is played catch-up with ESU in a few areas, and added some gimmicks a-la MTH & Paragon. I have to say I'm disappointed. I expected a lot more out of this announcement...
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Post by mlehman on May 21, 2016 6:23:53 GMT -8
And STILL only 4 function outputs. SNIP In the smallest form factor, yes, only 4 outputs. There are only so many solder pads on the end of something tiny. The Econami offers the same in that size. The 4 larger boards in the Econami line offer six outputs and it's reasonable to expect the same when they are offered as part of the Tsu2 line. So, ST caught up with ESU, which tends to earn high praise around here, but you were expecting more? Then tell us what you think is missing...there's also not room for the kitchen sink, which only matters if you were expecting a kitchen sink on your decoder... |
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Supernami?
May 21, 2016 18:07:21 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by notabob on May 21, 2016 18:07:21 GMT -8
And STILL only 4 function outputs. SNIP In the smallest form factor, yes, only 4 outputs. There are only so many solder pads on the end of something tiny. The Econami offers the same in that size. The 4 larger boards in the Econami line offer six outputs and it's reasonable to expect the same when they are offered as part of the Tsu2 line. So, ST caught up with ESU, which tends to earn high praise around here, but you were expecting more? Then tell us what you think is missing...there's also not room for the kitchen sink, which only matters if you were expecting a kitchen sink on your decoder... I've previously posted in a different thread what I was hoping to see out of Tsunami2 announcement - something new and unique, something that pushes the envelope and ignites competition again. Something that would make me want to consider using a tsunami decoder again over an ESU. This could've been some unique capability that no one had done before, or a simplification of more mundane tasks in some way. Instead - we seem to be getting (based on the info at Tony's website) a decoder that still gives us less functionality than ESU, still has no way to get upgraded with new capabilities or improved sound files (ESU is offering these on a regular basis as free downloads), costs $20/pop more, and attempts to justify that extra cost with Fireman Fred and his buddies. I wanted to be impressed by what ST had in store for us, I really did. But from what I see so far - I'm underwhelmed. There may be other variations or form factors to be announced, but underlying architecture rarely changes for product families such as this, so we're likely stuck with the four functions, same sound files we had before in the old model (which, while not quite as good as ESU's newer ones, were still pretty decent), no means of ever upgrading said sounds, and Mr. Fred. Oh well. |
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Post by mlehman on May 22, 2016 0:12:44 GMT -8
SNIP I wanted to be impressed by what ST had in store for us, I really did. But from what I see so far - I'm underwhelmed. There may be other variations or form factors to be announced, but underlying architecture rarely changes for product families such as this, so we're likely stuck with the four functions, same sound files we had before in the old model (which, while not quite as good as ESU's newer ones, were still pretty decent), no means of ever upgrading said sounds, and Mr. Fred. Oh well. Ummm, if the low-end decoder has 6 outputs in the larger form factor, why would the high end version have only 4? That just doesn't make sense to me...unless I'd somehow already convinced myself that ST could do nothing right. I understand how people can see the previous version of the Tsu as behind the times, considering how long it's been around. But I'd at least give them a chance before condemning the Tsu2 as an also ran. Then again, I only expect a decoder to make great sound and motor control... Comparing the Lok Pilot, looks like it has 4 outputs in roughly the same size as the initial Tsu2, so I don't get how that's deficient. And where did you hear it's all the "same sound files"? That's specifically not what I heard, but then again I'm willing to wait and see before saying there's nothing new here. From Tony's Trains: Each decoder offers a selection of never before released sounds and remastered versions of the SoundTraxx classics that we all have come to know and love.And DDE for the diesel crowd sounds like something good, but, no, let's kick that to the curb just to show that nothing's really new here... I think you weren't so much interested in being "impressed" as the opportunity to trashtalk Soundtraxx again. |
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Post by Deleted on May 22, 2016 6:17:09 GMT -8
Nothing too earth shattering, I agree. But given that I have a PR3 and have yet to use it to change sound files, Sountdraxx might be onto something. Especially if they can give it the ability to be re-programmed later on.
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Post by notabob on May 22, 2016 6:55:01 GMT -8
SNIP I wanted to be impressed by what ST had in store for us, I really did. But from what I see so far - I'm underwhelmed. There may be other variations or form factors to be announced, but underlying architecture rarely changes for product families such as this, so we're likely stuck with the four functions, same sound files we had before in the old model (which, while not quite as good as ESU's newer ones, were still pretty decent), no means of ever upgrading said sounds, and Mr. Fred. Oh well. Ummm, if the low-end decoder has 6 outputs in the larger form factor, why would the high end version have only 4? Maybe they will add a version with six. But I can only judge the announcement by what I see, not what may or may not come. There was nothing in the announcement so far about "stay tuned for more!". If a larger version comes with more "oomph!" - then that's great! But I'm not going to get excited about what I can't see or don't know is coming. A new decoder comes out with not much, if anything new about it other than smaller size. Yes, it's small. Still slightly larger than LokSound micro, although it does pack an extra .25A, more channels, and some useful new features. It's to be expected considering the technology advancements since the Micro came out, but so far, I don't see any of the features in it are revolutionary or truly original. It's just smaller, thanks in large part to manufacturing and IC technology advancements in recent years. (bold emphasis in your quote is mine) The announcement itself states that they remastered existing sound files. While it's possible that they obtained new locomotive sound recordings, it's more likely than not that the "never before released sounds" they refer to are Fireman Fred and some of the new clanks/compressor noises/etc. Had they utilized truly new sounds, there would've been more noise about it in the announcement. It's something good for sure. I'm not kicking it to the curb. But from the limited information in the announcement, it sounds like the capability that even QSI had for a while, and ESU recently added via the 'Full Throttle' update. If it's something else that proves to be more unique and not something already done before by others - I'd be more than happy to eat my words. Seriously? I think you're confusing me with someone else. You will find that I have NEVER trashtalked SoundTraxx. In fact, in the other thread (too lazy to go dig it up to link, but will do if you can't recall it), I was defending them quite rigorously, urging naysayers to be objective and wait until the new version was announced before trashing it. Now that it is announced - again - I can't help but feel underwhelmed. I'm not trashing it, but I'm not going to go and say that it's an amazing leap in decoder technology when so far I don't see it offering anything new that other manufacturers haven't already offered before. That is my objective opinion based on what I read. And I'm genuinely interested in why I SHOULDN'T be expecting to be "impressed" by a highly anticipated new model of a popular decoder? If people weren't expecting to be impressed by newer models or newer technology, our hobby wouldn't have made nowhere near the number of incredible advancements that it's made over the past few decades. Technological advancements driven by expectations of "better" are paramount to advancement of our hobby. I hope more people expect to be impressed by new releases of whatever. I don't believe that "good enough" is good enough in this case. |
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Post by mlehman on May 22, 2016 18:20:18 GMT -8
Ummm, if the low-end decoder has 6 outputs in the larger form factor, why would the high end version have only 4? Maybe they will add a version with six. But I can only judge the announcement by what I see, not what may or may not come. There was nothing in the announcement so far about "stay tuned for more!". If a larger version comes with more "oomph!" - then that's great! But I'm not going to get excited about what I can't see or don't know is coming. ST invested in the new production lines to build both the Econami and the new Tsu2. The didn't announce the whole Econami line at once, so trickling out the various versions of the Tsu2 seems all but certain. Based on this first release, the choices that came along with the Econami, and the past markets addressed with the original Tsu, larger form factors rated to higher amperages with additional outputs are just a matter of time. That just doesn't make sense to me...unless I'd somehow already convinced myself that ST could do nothing right. I understand how people can see the previous version of the Tsu as behind the times, considering how long it's been around. But I'd at least give them a chance before condemning the Tsu2 as an also ran. Then again, I only expect a decoder to make great sound and motor control... A new decoder comes out with not much, if anything new about it other than smaller size. Yes, it's small. Still slightly larger than LokSound micro, although it does pack an extra .25A, more channels, and some useful new features. It's to be expected considering the technology advancements since the Micro came out, but so far, I don't see any of the features in it are revolutionary or truly original. It's just smaller, thanks in large part to manufacturing and IC technology advancements in recent years. That's sort of how I've felt about ESU. Other see it differently. The reality is that the model railroad industry has always borrowed from mainstream electronics. "New, revolutionary, and original" are nice marketing hype, but really represent little that is truly new, except it's application to our hobby Comparing the Lok Pilot, looks like it has 4 outputs in roughly the same size as the initial Tsu2, so I don't get how that's deficient. And where did you hear it's all the "same sound files"? That's specifically not what I heard, but then again I'm willing to wait and see before saying there's nothing new here. From Tony's Trains: Each decoder offers a selection of never before released sounds and remastered versions of the SoundTraxx classics that we all have come to know and love.(bold emphasis in your quote is mine) The announcement itself states that they remastered existing sound files. While it's possible that they obtained new locomotive sound recordings, it's more likely than not that the "never before released sounds" they refer to are Fireman Fred and some of the new clanks/compressor noises/etc. Had they utilized truly new sounds, there would've been more noise about it in the announcement. Unless there was something missing entirely in the original recordings, their being remastered can make a tremendous difference in the audio quality of the new decoder -- and you end up with a new sound file, not an "existing" one. I've heard enough R&R from my youth that has been through roughly the same process and ended up sounding like a very different - and far improved - recording that made it worth buying the updated version and parking the old media. YMMV on that and whatever's on the Tsu2, but it's definitely NOT the same files on the new decoder. And there have been a number of substantive additions. What's it all add up to? I'm willing to wait and see, but I hardly think it rates "who cares?" And DDE for the diesel crowd sounds like something good, but, no, let's kick that to the curb just to show that nothing's really new here... It's something good for sure. I'm not kicking it to the curb. But from the limited information in the announcement, it sounds like the capability that even QSI had for a while, and ESU recently added via the 'Full Throttle' update. If it's something else that proves to be more unique and not something already done before by others - I'd be more than happy to eat my words. I think you weren't so much interested in being "impressed" as the opportunity to trashtalk Soundtraxx again. Seriously? I think you're confusing me with someone else. You will find that I have NEVER trashtalked SoundTraxx. In fact, in the other thread (too lazy to go dig it up to link, but will do if you can't recall it), I was defending them quite rigorously, urging naysayers to be objective and wait until the new version was announced before trashing it. Now that it is announced - again - I can't help but feel underwhelmed. I'm not trashing it, but I'm not going to go and say that it's an amazing leap in decoder technology when so far I don't see it offering anything new that other manufacturers haven't already offered before. That is my objective opinion based on what I read. And I'm genuinely interested in why I SHOULDN'T be expecting to be "impressed" by a highly anticipated new model of a popular decoder? If people weren't expecting to be impressed by newer models or newer technology, our hobby wouldn't have made nowhere near the number of incredible advancements that it's made over the past few decades. Technological advancements driven by expectations of "better" are paramount to advancement of our hobby. I hope more people expect to be impressed by new releases of whatever. I don't believe that "good enough" is good enough in this case. I get the feeling that people's expectations for virtually everything in the consumer world have become subject to the "chicken little" marketing effect that unless your world is shaken by whatever comes up, it's not even worth paying attention to anymore. So everyone expects everything they buy now to rock their world, from tooth brushes to what brand of gas goes in your car. Maybe I'm just old enough to remember when people rightfully judged that most hype what just hype. I expect good, serviceable products that meet my needs at a reasonable cost, are user-friendly, and uncomplicated and compatible to add to existing products I already use. In a sound decoder, it's how easy it is to program, how it sounds, and how it moves. Many want to cast the Tsunami as the Model T of sound, but it's actually more like the 1997 Landcruiser of decoders -- solid, reliable, doesn't get great mileage but won't let you down on the trail. I presume the Tsu2 will address those things once considered features, but now seen as liabilities in a very different world we live in now. What I took away from this announcement is that they've kept the good and added much more flexibility and choice on the decoder itself. Yes, a different approach than ESU, but nonetheless one likely to find favor with many. |
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Post by mlehman on May 22, 2016 18:38:05 GMT -8
Nothing too earth shattering, I agree. But given that I have a PR3 and have yet to use it to change sound files, Sountdraxx might be onto something. Especially if they can give it the ability to be re-programmed later on. I've often wondered how many users actually uploaded new files to the decoders that have that capability. I suspect it's relatively few. It sounds like a neat idea, but in practice I do wonder if it represents more of an interesting diversion in decoder technology than anything of much practical use. Even if you upload new files, it's the same hardware, taking up the same space, and with the same limits on amperage, outputs etc. The main attraction of user uploadable content to me is to add my own. I do have some recordings I've made over the years, but it's like brewing your own beer -- sounds like a great idea, but it's usually easier to pick up a cold six pack. As for getting a decent recording of authentic old time steam that would be superior to what the typical mfg can make available is something I'm unlikely to do to the level where I'd prefer that to storebought. And I'm someone who actually has the basic skills and field kit to produce decent recordings. Hasn't tempted me away from Soundtraxx yet. I think ST adding in multiple user-selectable content is far more likely to be found useful by the average end user. Changing a few CVs is definitely more attractive than uploading content to a decoder, let alone collecting and ripping my own content -- to me. YMMV As for potential reprogramming, that doesn't sound like it's on the table here, despite some rumors it would be. None of my steam Tsunamis offends me enough to make me want to do that anyway and they're ancient history the way some tell it. I know that people claim to hear huge differences, but a lot of this sounds more like the sort of arguments in the Great Speaker Wars of the 1970s -- first you have to be able to hear the difference, then you have to decide if spending more money for an incremental improvement on speakers that are already paid for will really be a sound use of one's money. |
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Post by notabob on May 23, 2016 9:47:34 GMT -8
Mike,
I don't want to get bogged down in line-by-line responses again, but bottom line is this - neither one of us is likely to be swayed by the other's opinion. I do think your preconceived notions (erroneous as I think they may be) about my attitude towards SoundTraxx have skewed the discourse a bit. Don't misunderstand my point - I don't dislike the Tsunami decoders. I have many in my locos, and one yet to be installed, which is good enough to use and I'm not about to get rid of. They sound decent enough, certainly better than MRC, DigiTrax, or QSI, so certainly not a Model T. Any improvements or remastering they made in Tsu2 is surely an improvement, but it won't be an improvement by leaps or bounds if it's based on the same file. More likely than not, the sounds were simply split up into separate tracks to take advantage of the increased number of simultaneous channels on the decoder. So, instead of certain sounds being mixed ahead of time and played via a single channel on the older 8-channel Tsunami, they may now be mixed on the decoder and played on separate channels instead. Better, but again - not enough to sway me back to Tsunamis at this point.
The benefit of programmable decoders to me is not so much switching the decoder to a completely different prime mover or adding my own sounds, but rather being able to upload an updated version of the same prime mover sound file with new recordings and/or capabilities. As an example - LokSound has been steadily releasing updated sound files based on brand new recordings of different prime movers. Additionally, they just released updated files with a whole new set of capabilities and improvements. Ability to get better sound files and new functionality without replacing a decoder or even having to open up a loco is the biggest benefit of a programmable decoder for many people vs. the ability to switch from one prime mover to another. It certainly is for me. Incidentally - each of the sub-groups of the new Tsu2 (EMD, GE, Alco, etc.) is limited to nine engine versions for users to switch between. If that same limitation translates into the larger version of the decoder as well (if/when that is actually announced) - I see that as a likely negative as well, especially for EMD. There are certainly more than 9 versions of different EMD prime movers out there. ESU has 15 unique sound files for EMD alone. And again - no way to get an updated or newer recordings into an existing decoder. Nine may be enough for Alco and some of the other transition diesels (FM, Baldwin, etc.), but is already not enough for EMD, and may end up not being enough for GE.
To wrap this up - you don't have to like my reasoning for not being enamored with a new product or agree with it, but you don't get to go and lecture me about how I should be happy with something that I don't see as particularly groundbreaking or innovative because I'm little more than a pawn of current "chicken little" marketing trends. That type of posturing is coming off as patronizing, border-line insulting (thankfully I have a pretty thick skin), and doesn't contribute to a quality discussion on the actual merits of the announced product. You're better than this. You've been a great contributor to these forums. I've enjoyed reading your posts elsewhere on other topics. You've shown yourself to be fairly objective and reasonable before. Let's not get "decoder religion" blind us to the point of losing objectivity and devolving the conversation into high-brow mud-slinging.
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Post by mlehman on May 23, 2016 18:44:23 GMT -8
notabob,
You're right, I am being unfair to you and I apologize. I understand you're not nursing a grudge now. I shouldn't have particularized my thin-skinned reaction to you. Wanted to get that done now.
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Post by rockisland652 on May 24, 2016 6:33:44 GMT -8
I, for one, can't wait to see what the full offering is on the TSU-2.
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Post by canrailfan on May 24, 2016 10:50:05 GMT -8
I was a dedicated Tsunami user for several years, I took advantage of Soundtraxx's $5 rebate at the Springfield show every year to buy what I needed. I fought and eventually resolved the slow-starting issue with advice from this and other forums. I never was that happy with the horns, they always sounded muted and didn't have the 'bark' I was hearing trackside. But overall, Tsunami's were still the best sounding decoders out there.
It was the slow-starting issue that made me try a Loksound V4 decoder. I had the dealer load it with the pre-packaged sound file for the ALCO V12 251 and installed it in an Atlas RS11. To my ear it sounded more like the real RS11 and the motor control was excellent, the slow-start was perfect without having to fuss with any CV values. I ran the V4-equipped RS11 and a Tsunami-equipped RS11 back and forth for several hours just listening to and watching the differences in sound and performance. I was happy with the V4 with one exception. I had become accustomed to using the Tsunami's F11 braking feature and really liked operating with it. The V4 didn't have this feature (at that time). I wasn't sure of what was more important to me at the time, the sounds or the running features. So I didn't buy V4s at that point and continued to buy Tsunamis.
It was the release of the Loksound Select decoders plus the arrival of my first Loksound Select OEM equipped model (Bowser C430) that tipped the scale. I haven't uninstalled any Tsunami decoders but I now buy Loksound Select decoders for new installs. I bought the Loksound Programmer and can load a decoder with the appropriate sound file from the ESU website. One important thing I like is that the programmer can also automatically update the decoder firmware to resolve reported problems. Now that ESU has announced their 'Full Throttle' features I can add these to my existing decoders if I want to use them.
Many of the comparisons between different brands of sound decoders are focused on the sounds only. I think just as important (or perhaps more so) is that once I install a decoder I don't have to open the locomotive to upgrade it. Some installs are straight forward but some can be difficult. I've had a few that have been challenging when trying to get the shell back on as an example. Once it's on correctly I really don't want to take it off again.
It will be interesting to see what other form factors are announced for the Tsunami2 and if there are some as yet unannounced 'soft' capabilities in the larger versions. It seems though that Soundtraxx has taken a path similar to TCS in trying to reduce the number of items they make (and dealers must stock) by jamming many disparate sounds into one package. The market will dictate whether this is an acceptable way to go.
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