IMHO I predict that the Standard and Ultra will be used for many years to come and will retain a decent resale value. Look at Yamaha's original 01V digital mixer at least 2 generations and a decade old, still it's a darn good unit and used models still sell regularly. I mention this because I bought one, used it for a couple of years, sold it for what I paid for it. I would buy one again if the need/budget warranted it. For guitarists looking for a great bang-for-the-buck system, an Ultra or Standard will fit the bill. After having owned the Ultra for some 3.5 years and reading forum posts for longer, it seems to me that the majority of "gripes" have come from folks using FRFR. Used without cab sims with most any decent power amp and guitar cab, you've got a rig that will meet or beat traditional rigs costing much more money when you factor in the FX, some of which are impossible to duplicate. (notice I didn't say it will "smoke" another rig
) There has been a good deal of discussion about the best power amp, best cab, best speaker etc. but nothing approaching the volume of posts from FRFR users about getting the "in the room" tone or "blocking EQ's" to get rid of "fizz," finding the magic mojo blend of IR's, the absolute Flattest Fullest FRFR (with the exception of Jay Mitchell ;-) ) etc etc
To qualify, I can and do play running DI/FRFR and am happy doing so, I have used the AxeFX in numerous situations. When I first purchased it with version 5 something firmware I used it the next day for a DI gig - no amp, no dedicated monitor, just crappy wedges. I made two patches, a clean and dirty, and it sounded great and had a tube amp feel. Dynamics, and controllable feedback at fairly low volumes. That's what sold me on the unit, and I have used a lot of DI "amp emulator" devices, both digital and analog from back in the 80's with the Rockman gear to the first Line 6 POD and many in between and after - nothing could approach the sound quality and feel of the AxeFX. In addition, I do studio engineering/production and have recorded with the Ultra, and this was by far the best sounding and easiest to dial in unit even for other guitarists. I can quickly create a tone that they like, it sounds great and sits well in the mix. No huhu.
Not having tried the AxeFX II yet, I would guess that much of the core tone improvements would be in the cab emulation section, along with the dual processing - so that, FRFR users may experience a more perceptible difference in tone and ease of use.
