Atlas O vs MTH PS3 sound quality

Everything is the same as when MTH offered the models - we are using the same factory, buying the boards from MTH, which is using the same PCB factory they have always used. 

Do you have a current MTH loco with PS3 to compare?  If there is a change from the past to now, it should also show up in their current production.

Paul,

Thanks for the reply.  That's what I had assumed, which is why I wondered at the change.

Actually, now that you ask that, I realized I do have a current release MTH AC4400CW and it too sounds more tinny and less full and bass-filled compared to earlier PS3 engines.  I don't have an earlier AC4400CW to compare it to, though.

As specific comparisons, I have an Atlas BNSF SD70ACe and an MTH BNSF SD70ACe from 2014, as well as an Atlas NS SD70ACe and an MTH NS SD70ACe from 2018, and finally an Atlas P42DC and an MTH P42DC from 2013.  In each case, there's a marked difference in bass and distortion at higher volumes between the two, with the older PS3 engines winning out.

I realize sound quality is impacted by the sound file, board drivers, speakers, sound enclosure, and more.  It does seem like something must have changed in the production on MTH's end lately.  I should add that the Atlas models sound ok on their own - it's not like they're terrible by any means, but are noticeably different when compared to the older models.

The PS/3 boards are exactly the same, the sound quality changes have to be due to the speaker and speaker enclosure.

It would be a hassle, but.....

you could put the sound set in for an engine that you like (ie SD70ACe) and see if the sound is the same. I have a feeling it's the sound set that you're hearing the difference on.

I have a few engines from the past that drive me nuts. The AC6000, for example, was loud and didn't match others in the consist. I always had to adjust volumes to even them up.

Older MTH diesels used a different speaker. The newer ones have a better speaker IMO (identified by a rubber surround).

So, it should sound better, all being equal.

Both have the same sound set except for the horn.  Here’s a video comparison.  #1145 is Atlas and #1111 is MTH.  I find the exact same results with the BNSF pair and the P42 pair.  Also, both engines are at max volume in the videos.

I think the bass is the big difference.  The older ones have far more bass for some reason.  If I didn’t know I would say they have a higher speaker wattage, but I know (I think) that’s not the case.

And here’s the MTH

Well? I don't have an Atlas version yet. One is coming soon to me.

Maybe the factory is using a different speaker?

Do you see a rubber surround in the speaker?

I'd like to see the Atlas speaker now. If it's the same as the MTH, I'd be left to say something changed in the soundset.

A different speaker would seem like the easiest answer.

I wonder if you could swap in a speaker from an older MTH engine into the Atlas engine; just to try it to see if there is any difference in the sound or check the speaker enclosure and mounting between the older MTH and new Atlas models?

I have on some MTH model engines moved the speaker from the powered unit to the trailing dummy unit enclosing the speaker in a stiff cardboard tube as a larger speaker chamber; mounted inside the length of the body which has significantly increased and improved the overall sound and bass sounds.  Just a simple plug between the units.

I recently picked up an MTH by Atlas SD70ACe in MRL "Essential Workers" paint. Sounds were identical to my other Proto-3 SD70ACe diesels.

One bonus is the Atlas releases come with couplers, though I will likely replace them with Kadee 743's.

I will bring this thread to the attention of the MTH people.