Better.

The Ahley is likely more noise but has better and more presice control. The older Orban units are real good and were even considered mastering quality in it's day. Most will likely need some refurbishing by now. The dbx 242 is a decent sounding unit and was designed by Robert Orban to fullfill the target price point. Not as good as his other stuff but it surprised and impressed me for cheap stuff.

I make it no secret that I'm a HUGE fan of the Orban 642B black-face. Trying to FIND one on the other hand is a rare occurrence...

It's like a 622 on steroids - 5532 op amps, vernier control, HP, LP, 4 overlapping bands, mono cascade... I hate to use the word "musical" sounding, but the thing just rocks. And QUIET like quiet should be.

If you ever see a 642B lying around, pick it up quick.

Or just tell me... I'll probably pick it up!