Is bct396xt similer to the operation of the 346xt witch I am familiar with.
The 396XT is pretty much the same scanner as the 346XT (with a few more features and more memory). The keypad layout, menu navigation, etc are almost the same.
If you use Freescan, then you can use the same file you used for your 346XT to program the 396XT (just add the digital channels you want to hear). Even if you didn't use Freescan, you can still import another software program's file into it (or just download the profile from your 346XT and use that).
Regarding audio quality; many of us are very satisfied with our 396XTs, however there are a substantial number of users that are not satisfied the digital decode quality (particularly with simalcast systems). Personally, I an very satisfied with my 396XT overall. The only real complaint I have with it is the multifunction volume knob/encoder (I wish volume was its primary function while in SCAN mode).
Happy scanning