I'm trying to improve the sound output on some of my non-Lionel engines.
I've read various threads here about using Fatboy speakers, which I can only seem to find through Lionel replacement parts.
Are there any other suppliers/makes of speaker people would recommend?
I think that I understand matching the Ohms and wattage of the engines' existing speakers (they all have RS4 sound - 1 steamer and 4 diesels). Is there anything else to be wary of?
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The best way to improve sound of any kind of speaker is to seal the enclosure that houses the speaker. You want to hear the sound from the front of the speaker, but not from the rear. That's because the sound from the rear is out of phase with the sound from the front, and that cancels out the bass.
Thanks, I will try that. Most of Lionel's speakers have an enclosure; the ones I'm looking to replace don't (and are rectangular so it's difficult to fabricate something for them).
I use some from Madison sound They fit in some applications
www.jcstudiosinc.com/BlogShowT...=621&categoryId=
www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/approx-2-fullrange/
www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/approx-1-fullrange/
Dale H
Right here on the forum, Boxcar Bill sells this Fatboy setup. I just bought it from him a couple weeks ago...it was around $25 shipped. I stole the idea from Alex Malliae 
after seeing him upgrade his Lionel JLC Challenger.
Now I think I'm spoiled for choice. I recognize the inside of the tender pictured above (although it looks like Kadee couplers at both ends?). The original speaker is exactly the one I am looking to replace in my engines.
Another option for speakers is Dallee. They also sell high quality drivers in a wider range of sizes, larger and smaller that the Fatboys if needed. Fatboys are a good bang for the buck though.
Pete
You can find various sized dispenser bottles for soap, cleaners, etc. and cut the bottom off to make baffles for rectangular speakers. As previously mentioned, the baffle is the major item to improve your sound quality, sometimes the difference is staggering over the bare speaker!
Does anyone know what the frequency response for the Fat Boy speakers. Thanks.
Does anyone know what the frequency response for the Fat Boy speakers. Thanks.
I can't find this information for Fatboy speakers; the Dallee site linked above does give it for their speakers.
Anyway, I have a small batch of Fatboys on order now and will evaluate/tune them by ear and report back.
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