I believe in getting advice in these forums but never take it too far. Gather what you learn from these forums and go out there and play every amp in the store if you have to. Never let someone sell you something that you don't truly want. For beginner amps nothing can really go wrong. Its all about the sound you want. I would maybe suggest checking out the MG30DFX combo, Vox Valvetronix Series, Fender Dyna Touch III series and the Behringer V-tone series.