Heres some information on quality decoders;
ESU Lokpilot
QUOTE The LokPilot decoders are the perfect choice for the advanced model railroader. Versatility and reliability are qualities you would expect from ESU. No matter if you operate it using NMRA/DCC or conventional DC, the decoder will automatically detect the operation mode. In DCC mode the decoder determines the number of speed steps and you may select any of 9999 addresses. The individually programmable speed curve allows precise adjustment to match a particular model. Our truly universal function mapping allows all function outputs to be assigned to any of 12 function buttons in any combination. LokPilot supports lighting effects like Mars Light, Ditch Lights, Gyra Light, Strobe Light and many more. The brightness of lighting is individually adjustable.
Of course, the LokPilot offers the unique Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) feature where the Back EMF is active at low speeds for smooth slow running operation with reduced influence at high speeds.
Fitted with overload protection for the motor output as well as the four function outputs, the decoder is extremely robust. It is suitable for DC, coreless and universal motors converted with Hamo magnets. The 40kHz high frequency motor control assures smooth and silent running.
We put great emphasis on maximum performance of our decoders. The motor output handles a maximum current of 1.1A while the function outputs are designed for 180mA each.
Autodetection of digital or analog operation
Suitable for any Digital Command Control (DCC) system, including: Digitrax®, NCE, MRC® DCC, Atlas® commander®, Bachmann® E-Z command®, Lenz® digital plus®, Zimo®, LGB® MTS®, ROCO®, Fleischmann® Twin-Center®
Suitable for AC-, DC- and coreless motors
Super silent running due to pulse frequency of 40 kHz
Perfect load compensation for optimal running especially on uphill or downhill gradients; exceptional slow running characteristics
Load control can be adapted to any motor by means of 3 CVs
Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) - Back EMF active at low speeds for smooth slow running operation with reduced influence at high speeds
Back EMF also active in conventional AC or DC mode - User has full control of motor and acceleration
Acceleration and deceleration can be switched with function button
Switcher mode (half speed) can be activated with function button
Up to 4 auxiliary function outputs suitable for smoke units, interior lighting, automatic couplers, for raising and lowering pantographs, ditch lights or lighting the fire box
Individually adjustable brightness of lighting
Special lighting effects such as blinking, fire box, Mars light, Gyra light etc. can be set for each function individually
New, revolutionary function mapping. All functions can be allocated to any of 12 function buttons. Multiple allocations are possible allowing for the combination of sound and functions e.g. the sound of shoveling coal and light flickering in the firebox
Short circuit protection for motor and function outputs
The Lenz Gold has these features;
QUOTE The DIGITAL plus GOLD locomotive decoder is suitable for all DC locomotives with continuous
current draw of 1.0 Amp. or less. The characteristics of the decoder are:
∗ Super smooth and silent high frequency back-emf motor control.
∗ Supports the industry proposed enhancements to the NMRA DCC Bidirectional data
communication RPs
∗ USP with optional power module for operation on dirty track
∗ Asymmetrical DCC support including directional stopping
∗ Adjustable precision stopping control
∗ Low speed gear for switching operations
∗ Selectable for operation with 14/27, or 28/128 speed steps.
∗ Operation on conventional DC layouts is possible or can be disabled.
∗ Motor output = 1A continuous, 1.8A max, > 5 A stall.
∗ Motor and function outputs protected
∗ Four function outputs rated at 200mA each with advanced function mapping
∗ Directional or independent lighting with dimming and special effects.
∗ Support for Advanced Consist Control and Extended Addressing
∗ Support for programming on the mainline (operations mode programming)
∗ Support for all form of programming as described in NMRA RP-9.2.3
∗ Supports service mode decoder lock
∗ Size: L 0.91" x W 0.66"x H 0.2" L 23.0 mm x W 16.5 mm x H 6.5 mm
BTW empiric means; One who is guided by practical experience rather than precepts or theory.
What you got was my practical experience. My experience of Bachmann decoders is not good.
Hopefully the above will give you an idea what you get for your money. At the end of the day Gary we all buy what we feel suits our needs best. I'm not trying to change your opinion, I'm just answering your questions. If you are genuinely interested in DCC and better quality decoder etc then I would suggest that you have a look at these websites;
ESU
Lenz
Digitrax