Didn't like the preamps on the Duo, not sure if this would have the same ones (although I bet they would be). I did notice the specs called out for DC powering - nice. Other M-Audio "portable" gear takes AC. This might be another "mod"-able low-cost a/d + preamp. Firewire might be more dependable for 24/96 compared to the UA5's USB (in theory it should be, but we all know how unpredictable computers are).
Craig.