V-Amp or J- Station

[riotshield]

I owned both; currently I have the J-Station. I thought the V-Amp 2 had somewhat better gain sounds (J-Station sounds a little muted/muddy to me) but the editing software on the V-Amp kept crashing on my computer. The J-Edit software is very stable and easy to use. Plus the J-Station had bass amp sims and digital out.

If I were looking for an amp modeler I would get the Yamaha DG Stomp at GC for $140. It doesn't have bass amp sims or a noise gate but the gain sounds are more dynamic to my ears than the J-Station

 

[crawdad]

First, the whole issue is REALLY subjective and based on personal preference, type of tones desired, and the guitar you are using. I've owned a POD2, a V-Amp, a J-Station (my son has it right now), a Genesis 3, a Yamaha Stomp and a Roland Gt-3. They all sound somewhat synthetic compared to my amp, but they all have their uses.

My favorite of the bunch is the Genesis3. The J-Station did some things well, and so did the Pod and the GT-3. I thought the V-Amp was kind of cool until I compared it with the Genesis, which made it seem real lo fi and lacking in both the hi's and lo's. Right now, its sitting in my studio, waiting to be sold. I'd get the J-Station over the V-Amp2.

I have not heard the PodXT, but I have heard some raves about it. The Yamaha DG Stomp does sound more like an amp, but its not the amp I want to play through! I am happiest with the Genesis3, which I got for $175. Its more dynamic and has the feel of playing through a real amp.

If you are a Mac user, beware the software for both the J-Station and the Genesis. It needs OMS, a MIDI program that has been dead for two years. It won't run on OSX or OS 9.2.2. So the editing thing is a waste on a Mac--PC's may be different. I don't think the V-Amp2 even supports Mac at all.

If you don't want to spend a ton of money, try ther J-Statioon, The Genesis3 and the Pod2. See what you like best.