When I first started using Fractal gear (Ultra) I couldn't seem to like the FR solution ,Tried to ,but just struggled with it. so I bought a randall RT 2/50 and ran through a 2x12 THD cab ,Loved it!!! till I recorded it and started comparing miked cab to IR's Sure didn't have the same vibe miked as what I was hearing in the room! Then realized using a single cab was only utilizing a fraction of the ax fx potential!! So went back to FR solutions! Went through most of them 9 QSC, Atomic ,FBT, RCF,which I liked a lot , The CLR just sits above everything I've tried , I think it rocks!! I'd like to try some of the more expensive options ,but then reality sits in ,I can't afford them right now at least!
My experience has been , once you spend the time and effort to dial things in for FR and open your mind to it , Cabs just don't cut it anymore!!! I want my tone the same for the listener as it is for me ! Let's face it , Amp in the room is all about me!!! The audience won't hear the same thing! running from stage volume May sound great on stage ,but as you move into the spectrum of the audience , it usually either becomes harsh or muddy ! FR makes your sound consistent!!