My layout and computer are in close proximity. Are there any computer based sound software, etc. out there?
Ya gotta check out the on board DCC stuff. It's so much better to hear the sound coming from the engine. I don't know how practicle this is in N scale yet, but man it's sooooo cool.
alcodiesel, are you an ENNer caught your post here as well, If you don't mind having an extra car perminantly coupled to your engine, put the decoder in a box car and the speaker in the engine, yankinoz is right, the sound is magnificent.