Yeah, It's been debated to death. There have been a/b comparisons done using line 6 amps vs the actual models. Some people can hear the difference, some can't. I like goofing off with mics and plug in's. I like Line 6 amps and have grown to like the line 6 gearbox plug in I've been using lately but there are certain parameters you can't get from using a plug in. The sound of your room, the way you place the mic, the sound of the aged speaker in the amp....