Don't forget--what sounds "colored" to one person is "transparent" to another. And let's face, what one person prefers is because of their sound taste (no offense to Ed, I actually value his opinions). I guess the real test is to listen to the Alesis and Beringer and a couple of others and see if you like how they sound. I've heard some good things about RNC, dbx and Meeks compressors, also.
Peace, Jim