Dallee sound units

No experience with Dallee sound systems.   I did use their throttles in the past and they were rock solid.

I do have advice however, don't we all?     If it were me, I would run them awhile and see what they sound like and whether it is acceptable.   The NCE 408 decoder is great motor control, so if the mechs are decent they should run well, and you will just be evaluating the sound system.  

If you have to change, change, I have been very pleased with Soundtraxx stuff.    My approach in this case would be to buy an HO rated Soundtraxx decoder and just use it to replace the Dallee stuff.    I have a number of locos with two decoders for this reason.   I usually put small slide or toggle switches underneath to cut the power to one or other decode at a time for programming.     The HO rated decoders in my experience are about 50-60 dollars cheaper than the higher amp rated ones.     You simply put 100 ohm 1/4 watt resistor across the motor leads on the sound decoder to give it load, and it will program just fine with not motor.    apparently if you don't connect anything, programming gets iffy.

As for sound, I just had 2 grand-daughters visit and we had to run trains.    the little one who is 8, did not hear the subtleties of diesels sound.    She would ask if this one "had a noise maker or not"?     Kinda wonder how much we should worry about it when you hear that.

Ed, We could go to the old saw: If it ain't broke don't fix it. If it sounds OK to you, why mess with it? Jim's granddaughter probably has it right!

Simon

I will listen to the sound before making the update decision.  In the 1990's and early 2000's DCC O scalers had few choices and I installed paired electronics to get the power I needed and some basic sounds.    The approach works but to my ear doesn't capture the sound variation between units starting a train, or notching to climb a grade with a heavy train.  Today we have several 3rd generation higher power integrated sound/power/lighting decoder choices that in my opinion far out perform non-integrated sound/power  solutions.    Yes it does come at an added price - but as with levels of detailing, prototype fidelity, and build quality in our models we all get to make our own trade-offs.   

Still looking to hear from others about their experience with Dallee sound systems.  From the Dallee web site I learned they can be installed in 3 rail AC or 2 rail DC locomotives with sound controlled by a special box.  Has anyone done that??  If I do decide to remove the electronics I know there is a market for used D408sr decoders - don't know about Dallee sound modules.