Take it FWIW, my big rig is powered by a Peavey IPR2 2K. But I play bass through a 2x15 FRFR cab. Worked great with my AX8. I'm also looking into the Quilter BB802 which has an XLR in. Some of the smaller Quilter products look great for guitar.
I had the GT1000FX paired with my Axe FX 2. Absolutely happy with the sound. You can't go wrong with it. It's also stereo, so it can easily be used with two cabs and two modellers!
But I sold it and bought the powerstage 170, as I am planning to buy the FM3 when that's possible. It's a perfect companion for the FM3 completely because of the form factor. I did not compare it side by side with the GT1000FX, but by merely using it, I did not notice a downgrade in sound quality whatsoever.
I think that the power amp does not have to sound . It's only job is to have enough power to work well when playing live and the SD PS 170 delivers and the EQ is very useful and dials in the right practicable frequencies. The power amp modeling of the FM 3 is stellar and makes a big difference as it makes the sound live and colorful. Therefore my oppinion is that the real power amp does not have to sound at allI have a Matrix GT1600fx (rack) and a Ritter 280 SHP (board).
The Ritter makes more sense with the FM3 because of its form factor, but the Matrix does sound better “right off the bat”, but with some work, the Ritter will sound great too.
Maybe.I think that the power amp does not have to sound . It's only job is to have enough power to work well when playing live and the SD PS 170 delivers and the EQ is very useful and dials in the right practicable frequencies. The power amp modeling of the FM 3 is stellar and makes a big difference as it makes the sound live and colorful. Therefore my oppinion is that the real power amp does not have sound at all