I don't know if I did something wrong of what, but I changed the stock MRC speaker for a Soundtraxx 8 ohm speaker and got the exact same level of sound. IMO it was a complete waste of time.
If the amp is designed for at least a 32 ohm speaker, then this is true, but if it is designed for a least down to an 8 ohm speaker, then it will be fine with that. According to the instruction sheet, the 1806 can handle an 8 ohm speaker.
I do see where it says that. I was surprised! I may mill out the frame in order to install an oval 8 ohm speaker.
The MRC1806 has a LM386 1/2 watt audio amplifier designed for 8 ohm impedance load , so it will work.
You might want to give the new Econami a try. Has for a speaker I am working on a 16MM X 9MM 8 Ohm speaker with an 16MM X 8MM X 8MM enclosure. I installed a test unit into a Kato SD70 Ace. When I sounded the horn I was blow away, Very clear and LOUD! I had to reduce the volume down by about 50%. BTW the speaker I mentioned above will fit into a narrow hood locomotive. You may have to reduce the height a bit to fit the speaker into the unit. Oh, BTW on my SD70 Ace I did machine the frame to install the Econami and the 16 X 8 speaker to fit.
I'm putting in an ESU LokSound Select Micro DCC sound decoder into my Kato SD45 after the disaster with the Bachmann version. The thing that is different between the SD40-2 and the SD45 is the motor sits a lot higher on the SD45, which concerns me. In my SD40-2 install, I put the decoder in the center, the speaker under the rear fans and four capacitors near the rear light board. Not sure if I can do that here. I certainly don't want the sound to cut out on the SD45 if I don't have room for the capacitors.
