I have run my NCE 10A booster with my Lionel ZW-C powered by 4 180W Powerhouse bricks. I set the booster to 18V as well and ran a Legacy locomotive and a recent LokSound conversion at the same time. I had no problems and all worked well.
I do have the NCE PSU (Came with the booster when I bought it.), but have no plan to use it as I have the Lionel PH180s instead.