A LOT of people actually find this quality highly desirable. The Axe-Fx has become the product of choice among the "djent" community and many of the modern heavy bands due to this particular "digital" sound.
That's why I cling to the Axe FX ... for the first time since Les Paul took us electric, we can go BIGGER, BADDER, MORE BEAUTIFUL AND BREAK BOUNDARIES. I am searching for this new sound that in many ways is better than any tube amp and speaker. The Axe FX is the only thing I've found on earth that can deliver this consistently.
And most of all, energized and beautiful new sounds will take you to NEW PLACES musically...and that's what it's about..an even cooler sound that delivers a new musicality. When you move from your acoustic guitar to your amp you're inspired to play things that are completely different , or from low gain to 11 on an amp. It's like getting a whole new instrument in your hands. That's what the Axe FX and beyond is...a new instrument...and even your amp at 111 if you want.
Digital has gotten to a point in all media where it is no longer looked upon as being inherently inferior but simply as being different and, in many cases, superior. Film, TV, art, music, etc.
I sold my tape recorders, film cameras, entire record collection and turntable, analog mixers, my Dangerous summing box and now my tube amp collection. Why? Because for each individual, there is always a point where the advantages of digital > the advantages of analog. That point for me with the guitar was the Axe FX.
Like records over CDs, real amps have definite superior qualities over modeling still, but those advantages are diminishing with every passing year. Even almost 10 years ago, 1-bit DSD was the best sounding music medium I'd ever heard and still is. Analog photographic film and recording tape have been relegated to be called "special effects" now...expensive and difficult, but sometimes very cool. Tube amps are on the chopping block as we speak.
Truly creative people don't obsess over whether something sounds the same as their old, vintage tube amp. They simply want something that can create sounds that inspire them and products that improve the creative process. The days of tube amps are coming to an end. Modern digital technology offers competing sound quality with vastly improved convenience and workflow.
As a songwriter, I can spin the big patch knob and be presented with unexpected sounds (exactly like on a digital synth) that adds that invaluable element of surprise and accident to artistic creation. And with the Axe FX, you don't have to stop the creative juices flowing for 15min or 1/2 hour to hook up new amps, effects, speakers, troubleshoot rattles etc etc. Such a vibe killer!
And as I always say, the AxeFX is amazing under your fingers and the way it reacts and dances with your playing. Note punch and the low level control of feedback is also unparalleled in real amps.
ooops, OT....Yes, I can't wait to hear the new Axe II via the USB direct and the ease of use factor will be a real blessing.