I’m a tube amp guy, and I have quite a few. I’ve bought them new and used. I learned how to service them and eventually how to build them from scratch. I also collect and use vintage speakers.
My bandmate bought a Helix early last year. Since I have a zillion amps, he suggested that I buy a Kemper. It arrived Sep-2017. Then I bought an Xl+ in November and the MFC 101 in December. I’m selling my Kemper, and buying the new III, when I get Fractal’s email.
I originally thought it would be cool, to have the Kemper and the Fractal as backups for each other - the best of both worlds, eh? But after slogging through the learning curves, I’m using my Axe FX II XL+ exclusively. It sounds better, and the Kemper is back in the box. I’ve sold all of my newer boutique pedals, and a newer boutique amp, to help pay for this stuff. I’m not selling the old amps, and I have kept my (originally new) univibe, fuzzface, muff, wah, tubescreamer, and Klon, for historical reasons). I’m not boasting - I bought this stuff when it was new and inexpensive. (Get this: the ram’s head muff was $32! The vibe was $90!) Everything else has been sold.
Scott Peterson taught me how to fine-tune my patches, with support from Moke and Austin Buddy templates. The XL+ Is sounding great... better than great. Superb feel and tone. I can’t wait to get the III.
Sorry for the long story, but the context provides perspective.