well, speakers between the 2 methods is a wash.
so the sound decoders I buy are a maximum of $200. and that is top of the line sound.
So we use a term apples to oranges here. The MLS sound board is not of the caliber of an XLS, or QSI, Zimo, Massoth, ESU
Here in the US the MLS card is $80, so your battery, the receiver and a percentage of the transmitter cost and a percentage of a charger is under $200?
There's still not a huge gap.. of course to be fair should include a percentage of the DCC system, but then trying to be fair, you need a $200 sound card, so you are more expensive when comparing apples to apples.
Bottom line is usually 4 locos or under battery less expensive for the same quality level as DCC INCLUDING all the chargers, DCC systems, etc.
I have more than 4 locos and want to do things wireless cannot do, so my choice was easy.
I just don't see why people want to come into a track power thread and say "battery is better"... not helping the person that started the thread in 99.99% of the time.
Greg