Topic: ua-5 vs. ad-20

[shayne]

I know these preamps have been compared in the past and some swear by one or the other, my question is this. I am currently running an lsd2>Oade t+ mod ua-5. I have an ad-20 collecting dust, as well as a dual phantom power unit. Has any one used an ad-20 w/ the lsd2, do they compliment eachother or is the T+ mod ua-5 a better fit. I know the answer of just try it will come up, but I am getting out taping less and less, and when I do get out (once every 2 monthes) it is a show that I really want the best recording possible. So please opinions welcome, Thanks in advance.
Shayne

[rowjimmytour]

I have never run the ad20 before but my vote is for the t+Ua5 w/ the LSD2. I run LD's w/ a Oade T+R4 and before I ran them w/ a busman t+ and like the transparent preamp w/ the LD's warm sound. When I first got my TL's I had a digi mod UA5 and after I got the mod I noticed I was able to run the signal hotter and I had  less noise level. Maybe you could try out a w+ UA5 and see if this suits your taste better between the AD20 and T+UA5 I would go w/ the UA5 for sure.
Peace

[Kindguy]

T+UA-5 all day IMO.

[Javier Cinakowski]

the P-mod UA5 sounds fantastic with the LSD2 (or SP C3's)

[SmokinJoe]

I have both... my UA-5 happens to be a W+ mod.   I love the UA-5 with the LSD2.  I love the AD-20 with the Naks.

I haven't run the LSD2 with the PS2/AD20 combo, but I expect it would be so freakin' bright I'd have to wear shades.  That said, the LSD2 is a completely different beast depending on XY, Blumlein or M/S mode.  In my limited experience Blumlein is brightest, XY is mellowist, and M/S is in between.  Someday soon I'd like to try the PS2/AD20 with the LSD2 for an opening act, and the UA-5 for the main act, and post the results.

[spyder9]

I've owned both at the same time.  I vote for the AD-20.  My best recordings are with that little blue box.

[shayne]

I have been really happy with the recordings I have captured with the t+ mod ua-5 but I have to admit I have some great recordings with the ad-20 as well. I am going to do what Joe suggested run ad-20 for opener and t+ ua-5 for headliner, not really worried about getting a great recording of the opener, then see what the characteristcs of that combo are. The ad-20 is a good sounding box for the price. Thanks for all the advice.