Anybody have a Kato Kobo Sound Unit?

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B

bigB

Active Member
Hey guys,

I am contemplating a Kato unit with one of the Kobo installed decoders. From what I understand, they are basically Lok Sound decoders that are factory installed. This is for the newly released SD40-2. If I went this way, Id do the custom paint job myself.

Option 2 is to buy a new (hasnt come out yet) Broadway Limited Paragon2 SD40-2. Easier route. I have a HH SD40-2 and its very nice with the Paragon2.

Anybody have any input on their Kobo unit? I have a couple Katos and I already know how nice they are. Im just wondering about the decoder sounds and programmability. I know LokSound is very good.

Thanks,

Brad
 
I'm contemplating maybe thinking about possibly entertaining the thought of looking for a Kobo SD70MAC, if they exist.
I've never heard the Kobo SD40-2 personally but I've heard guys talking about how nice they are.
I would think it would beat having to mill out the chassis and all...
 
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The old Kobo had a Digitrax sound decoder which didn't sound very good. Now, they use Loksound, which still isn't very impressive, but at more than twice the cost (of the Digitrax).
 


@BigB - Kato Kobo

I have a Kato BN (whiteface) SD40-2 Mid with the factory retrofitted LokSound Select (32MBit) installed - two speakers in the fuel tank and working ditch lights. I was impressed with the sound and more importantly the six AUX functions available on the decoder. The "select" variety of the new 4.0 series won't let you create and upload your own sounds, but with the large offering for download at ESU, the number of different horns, whistles, sound, and lighting customization/combination (Rule 17/led) you can do with the "stock" ones is impressive. A little pricey, but I was sold on the Back EMF, ABC braking, brake on DC, brake on asymmetric DCC, and 28 function capabilities. I also own Tsunami decoders ... the sound of the Kobo is on par with them, maybe a tad better, but it was the additional features that sold me on this combination. Hope that helps.
 
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