Taking my next recommended baby step, if sound is a given, I would suggest listening to sound systems to see what quality level is good for you.
I like all the nuances and programmability to have my locos sound unique, and prototypical. In addition, I often consist locomotives, so having 2 locos sound identical is something I don't want, I want some randomness.
I also was sold when the first actual load-controlled sound systems came out, pretty sure it was the SoundTraxx Tsunami who actually measured BEMF and translated that to changes in sound... and I don't just want a volume change, but the actual sounds that change as the load changes in the prototype.
You can guess that locked me into higher end DCC decoders.
Just outlining the decision making process I went though. Listen to youtube videos, and most manufacturers have a way to at least hear part of the sound system online.
Again, making a decision by elimination of things you DON'T want.
Greg
Here I am in a bit in a quandary Greg and will have to probably make some compromises - I already own locos with sound fitted, a generic synthesized steam, MyLocoSound card, loco specific cards, 3 x K-27 & Climax Sierra Soundtraxx and a loco specific DCC, Digitrains chip, fitted to my OO9 4-6-0 WD Baldwin (OO/1:76 scale/9 mm/N gauge, for the uninitiated)
I would like to retain the old Sierra cards, I am now familiar with their installation and operation (and yes there are issues with PWM, but not insurmountable as I have found) and their sound is good enough for me. A decent speaker seems to be the key here, as it is for all card types, and its cost, as a component, is not a undue stress on the wallet. I have already speced a MyLocoSound "railbus" generic for the Goose I and their "light industrial" for a couple of 16 mm scale UK NG based dismals I am working on. I know that synthesized sounds can grate but for these, and an electric tram, they will suffice. I was quoted for a DCC card for the dismals, specifically the sound of a Gardner bus engine they are both equipped with in real life, but there was a £100 premium.......for each. And here is the rub when you want accurate top quality sound with, literally, all the flashing light and whistles it costs. You can tune the sound on the MyLocoSound cards, so you can individualize them, but I have never got a satisfactory synthesized whistle sound out of one.
I was totally blown away by the Digitrains DCC sound for a tiny OO9 Baldwin loco, its a Zimo 18 pin with a tiny cube speaker in the bunker. I could not believe all the functions it offers and sound quality. Loco £130, sound £130. It was simple to fit and I have just about found my way around my PIKO DCC handset to operate it, but nothing else. And that's the problem for me, the fear factor. It's a lot of money if you screw it up over a load of locos and/or not use to their full capability. I may well pay the extra for DCC on some specific locos that stand out, like the Shay, Heisler and Mallet. That's based on hearing what could be done with the tiny Baldwin. Its fun but a lot of buttons to press and remember. It will also have an impact on what TX's are bought and which locos share with which. The strands I have operating on my line - 16 mm UK/Colonial (all either live steam or battery from the get go), Fn3 D&RGW, Fn3 Logging, some live steam but that's where the conversions are happening. You won't find locos and stock from one strand mixing with another in an operating session (nothing to do with Covid-19) so that's a start point for sharing out the TX's. I'm a bit persnickety that way. Max
As an aside I was at my local NG line, the Leighton Buzzard railway, aka Buzzrail, where they have a WD 4-6-0 Baldwin..........the actual Baldwin use for the sound recordings for the chip. How do I know ? I got to talking to the guy who was firing the loco when they did the recordings while I was there. As you do.. Kind of gives you a special connection with the finished article.
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