Thanks for your further comments. interested by Akira's comment that the Marshall Jackhammer is rubbish. Another question if I may - with regards Marshall pedals what's the difference between the Jackhammer and the Guv'nor? They both seem to be distortion pedals?

It seems that there is no easy answer to my questions. Re Stomp boxes Line 6, Korg, Digitech, Boss - whoever - all seem to have fans and detractors in equal measure. One mans meat does seem to be very much another mans poison.

Four questions which hopefully are easy to answer:

Is there one company out there who produces pedals that are pretty much universally accepted by everyone as being the best in class - The Rolls Royce or Cadillac of pedals if you like?

How good are digital amps? - Bear in mind, I'm not into recording or gigging - I'm learning my craft again and mainly out to have fun. Is the Vox AD60VT a good amp or should I avoid it like the plague and buy an old valve amp?

If I bought a digital amp is there any point in buying individual pedals? Do they really only come into their own when plugged in line with a valve amp?

If I ditch the digital amp route and buy an old valve amp, what would be a good pedal collection for a blues influenced guitarist (BB King/Clapton/Kossof/Peter Green/Santana/SRV). Let's not get into manufacturers specifically (although I'd obviously welcome opinions) - just what pedals you think should be on board.

A lot of questions I know and I appreciate you guys indulging me. Basically I just want to order the whole lot in one go so I'm looking for help in putting the shopping list together.