Sound decoder for 2-8-8-2 & 2-8-4

[Nick8564]

I have a Virginian Proto 2000 2-8-8-2 and a Proto 2-8-4 Virginain. I want to put sound in both but not sure what decoder will go the best. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

[UP SD40-2]

Nick, right now the way i see it, you have 3 good choices: LokSound's "Big Boy" decoder, Tsunami's "Large steam" decoder, and MRC's NEW Brilliance steam decoders.

i HAVE the LokSound "Big Boy" sound decoder in my UP F-E-F Class 3 Northern. it sounds GREAT, and runs FANTASTIC! my ONLY complaint with it is i think the whistle is not very loud. i have the CV volume for the whistle set at max, but still is not that loud. ALL THE OTHER SOUNDS ARE PERFECTLY LOUD ENOUGH THOUGH.

the Tsunami's are a BIG favorite of steam fans. i DO NOT have one at this time, but have heard them, and i think they are GREAT!

MRC's **NEW** Brilliance STEAM sound decoders are NOW OUT! i have NOT heard them yet, but if they are even HALF as good as the Diesel versions, they should be an OUTSTANDING sound decoder. i DO HAVE one of Athearns Big Boys, and TWO of Athearns Challengers, they all have MRC's steam sound decoders in them, and they ALL RUN AND SOUND GREAT! but i am NOT sure if the NEW Brilliance steam sound decoders are the same as whats in these, though i am guessing they are.

MY ADVICE; ANY of these three steam sound decoders would be GREAT to put in your steamers. just keep in mind, THATS JUST MY THOUGHTS...lets see what "others" have to say.
-Deano