I'd follow selector's (Crandell's) advice on searching the forums so you can come up with the questions you need to answer before you choose a system.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I have the Digitrax Super Empire Builder. A little more than the Zephyr but it does give you 5 amps out the door, the hand held DT400 throttle that can control two trains at the same time and power/booster can be added to down the road if need be. You can run several trains at the same time but flipping back forth can be a hassel if running more than two. The draw back is the DT400 has a lot of buttons that can be overwhelming until you get the hang of it. I have not used the NCE system but a lot of people on here have it and they love it as well.
THose who have whatever system they have, think its the greatest, but some have some desires for them. THat being said:
The Bachmann EZ Command is simple entry-level easy to use inexpensive system. {though the price has climbed some lately} Built and designed on the much more expensive Lenz system. GOod entry level model. I have two one for layout and one for the under the tree layout. CAn run two, maybe three locos depending on amp draw, but count on two.{1 amp system most locos draw 1/2 amp, some less , some more} can program up to 9 locos, but 18 if careful and program two that are not on the track at the same time to the same number} Only uses 2 number addresses. Can run a DC loco on Number ten if set up properly, and number ten is also function button to turn on/off lights.Can be upgraded witha 5 amp booster. Here are some links to EZ C:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=RGBVCW&ID=200401356
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=RGBVCW&offset=25&ID=200429901
DIgitrax Zephyr is a popular one, but they have come out with a newer version to do more and have more amps, called the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra {yes spelled correctly}. Digitrax is very popular. I plan to upgrade to Digitrax Zephyr Xtra next christmas for the extra advantages. {Xtra has 3 amps} CAn program up to i think 9999 loco woth 4 number addresses {use the locos number for instance} Digitrax aslo has more expensive systems that do more and have mroe power. I believe there is a 5 amp power booster for the digitrax systems also. There are 5 am Super digitrax systems, butthe range inteh $400-500 range} .Those who have digitrax swear by them.Here is links to zephyr Xtra:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Digitrax-ZEPHYR-XTRA-Complete-DCC-Starter-System-w-p/dig-zepx.htm
http://www.traintekllc.com/Digitrax-Zephyr-Xtra-3-Amp-Starter-Set/productinfo/DTX-ZEPX/
NCE powercab is also a popular one. Those that have it swear by it and its "ease of use". It also has a starter set and can be upgraded, or they have more expensives ets taht do more. Again I think 9999 addresses.
http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=524025&cat=280&page=1
Ther are a few others as well. BUt these are the main contenders.
so the choice is up to you. I would suggest doing a google search on each brand and read and see what one fits your budget, fits your needs and serves you best. GOod luck
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
You just joined today? What do you want from a system? How much do you know about DCC? Are there any train shows that have modular rail roads and model rail road clubs in your area? Go there and talk to people that use the various systems and get the feel of the throttles in your hand and feedback from club members on likes and dislikes. Every starter set can evolve to larger systems. It all depends on what you like to do with it.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
judyalp,
Simply put: The "best" system is only the one that will "best" fit your wants and (growing) needs. What type of layout do you have and/or what do you desire to achieve with it? This will help us to know how best to answer your question.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Judyalp, this question is posted frequently, about once a week. You can find answers to your questions often by finding, in the right column with the ads showing, "Search our Community" with a text box below it. Type in a search such as "Best DCC system" and you are sure to get lots of useful posts.
Short answer: there is no real best system, except that you must define it if you insist it must be the case. They are not all the same, but I know of none that is a poor performer. They have different features, and every one of the various makes and models does what they were engineered to do very well!
So, the question begged is, "What do you want your new system to do for you?" Unless you can answer those questions, nobody here can help much. You say you want a system that can grow. Well Digitrax and NCE, for two, have growable systems. Digitrax is retroactively compatible, not so much the others. But, all that aside, what is it about a DCC system that you would want to develop? Its available power to the rails? Wireless capability? More data management so that you can keep a list of available decoders upon which to call from the throttle?
Crandell
I am newbie to DCC. What is the best system? I don't want to purchas a system and then have to purchase another later. I want want that I can grow with.