AD20 vs. Chris Church ST9100 vs. XXX (UA5?)

[redbook]

I know it has good reputation, but how good/bad is Church preamp to other preamps in market? (AD20, UA5 with or withoud flavours)?

[rowjimmy]

Seems that comparing the strictly analog Church box to devices with a/d built in is a little lopsided...
Plus, isn't it a 'stealthy' pre that delivers 'plug-in' or 'battery-box' type power vs, the 48v that the UA5 delivers?
Then you have the AD20 which is a pre+A/D but delivers no phantom power...

Apples & oranges I think.

[redbook]

surely, I'm aware of the capabilities of each device, just wanted to know the differences with preamp features only (should have specified )

[JasonSobel]

surely, I'm aware of the capabilities of each device, just wanted to know the differences with preamp features only (should have specified )

The AD-20 does not have any analog outputs, and the UA-5 analog outs are after the A/D stage (pre-amp > A/D > D/A > analog outs).  so, it's impossible to isolate the pre-amps in either device because you are always going to have to go through their respective A/D converters as well.  this makes for a tough comparison.

[Church-Audio]

I know it has good reputation, but how good/bad is Church preamp to other preamps in market? (AD20, UA5 with or withoud flavours)?

You can not compare a balanced phantom power preamp to my preamp... Its not the same kind of device. I think it would be fair to compare it against a DPA 6000 preamp. But not against a UA-5. But if you want to know in terms of quality output. My preamp is just as good, it's flat frequency response and low distortion in a very small package with a nice warm sound. But I dont want to sound like I am trying to sell something here. Its just my opinion, I think its a good product. I dont think comparing it to a UA-5 would be a fair test by any stretch of the imagination. Not only that but because of the input types and structure how would you go about doing a subjective listening test?

[Krispy D]

agreed.  I'd like to see a good comp of the CA box vs the DPA box and the SP box.  at least they all do the same thing...

[rowjimmy]

surely, I'm aware of the capabilities of each device, just wanted to know the differences with preamp features only (should have specified )

Not trying to bust yer chops... Simply attempting to address what other folks have elaborated upon since.

[Javier Cinakowski]

I have owned the UA5 (p-mod & bm2+-mod), the Church 9000, the Church 9100 and the SP-PREAMP. 

It is difficult to compare these, because I used different mics with each one, but if I had to:

Oade p-mod
Church 9100
bm2+
SP-PREAMP
Church 9000