I own a Chicago (3X; ML), Burbank (5X; ML), and LA Benge (5X; ML)as well as a Chicago C trumpet. The LA is one of the 300-400 horns actually made in LA (not Anaheim) and may be made from Burbank parts. It is tough to compare the Chicago with the others since the bell is different but you can notice a couple things right off the bat. The older Chicago horns, like older New York Bachs are lighter horns and play a little brighter (also a result of the 3X bell). The Chicago more closely resembles today's light weight bell horns and similarly is a very responsive horn. The Burbank and LA both play quite a bit like one another and a direct comaparison is easy since the bells are the same. Both are heavier horns than the Chicago and both are free blowing and darker than the Chicago (but that is characteristic of the 5 bell). The Chicago and Burbank got the once over by Dr. Valve and he replated and aligned the valves. This made a huge difference and both the Burbank and the Chicago center beautifully. I am going to send him the LA as well when I get out of debt and explain to my wife why Dr. Valve holds the note to my car. I think Benges are the most underated horns out there today. You can still pick up a vintage Benge for $1000 or less (particularly the LAs). A few horns were known for some funky notes (D and E in the staff in particular) but this generally can be remedied by a good tech like Dr. Valve. The horns are very responsive, great for big band (they can get loud!) and have that classic Benge sound. Here are a few pictures:
Chicago Benge 20XX
Burbank Benge 72XX
LA Benge 85XX
