These problems often result in embarrassing transmitter failures. Lithium batteries provide approximately three times the life of an alkaline at six to eight times the cost. There are a few situations where the extra life is worth the added cost, but the 9 to 15 hours of life provided by alkaline batteries is more than adequate for most purposes. The low temperature performance of lithium batteries is also considerably better than for alkaline batteries, an advantage in certain situations. For economy, Audio-Technica recommends using lithium batteries only in special situations where the extra time between battery changes is necessary or where use at very low temperatures is required.
Alkaline batteries are the preferred choice for powering wireless transmitters.
They are convenient, offer an excellent balance between cost and operating life, and are reliable. In addition, they are widely available, hold their capacity well in storage and usually do not begin to leak for several years. The market for alkaline batteries is also quite large, and competition is likely to keep prices low. Sometimes it appears that batteries are providing less than the expected operating life. When this happens there is a tendency to blame the wireless transmitter for the apparent problem.